The far-right made significant gains in the EU elections in Germany and France, with Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party winning around 32% of the votes in France, a 10 point increase from the last election. Mainstream conservative parties were also expected to perform well, indicating a broader shift towards the right in the European Parliament. This shift could lead to a cooler approach towards addressing climate change and a focus on limiting immigration to the EU. The potential fragmentation of the parliament could make decision-making on important issues more difficult, such as dealing with challenges from Russia, China, and the United States.
Exit polls showed that the center-right European People’s Party (EPP) was projected to remain the largest bloc across five countries, including Germany and Greece. This would put Ursula von der Leyen of Germany, the EPP’s candidate for the head of the European Commission, in a favorable position for a second term. The far-right Alternative for Germany took second place in Germany behind the opposition conservatives, while in Austria, the far-right Freedom Party was likely to emerge as the winner of the ballot. In the Netherlands, Geert Wilders’ anti-immigration party was set to win a significant number of seats in the EU assembly.
Voting took place over several days, with the bulk of EU votes cast on Sunday in countries like France, Germany, Poland, and Spain. The European Parliament plays a key role in passing legislation that affects citizens and businesses in the 27-nation EU. Voters across the bloc have expressed concerns about complex EU decision-making, disconnection from daily realities, and low turnout in EU elections. Issues such as the cost of living, migration, the green transition, and geopolitical tensions have influenced voters’ choices, leading to an increase in support for hard and far-right parties.
The sentiment among some voters is that Europe should work towards unity and a shared vision, despite disagreements on specific decisions made by the EU. Questions surrounding the power balance between the Commission and Parliament have led to mistrust and confusion among voters. However, those looking for a change of course have turned to parties like Vox in Spain, which advocate for a different approach in Brussels. Overall, the EU elections have highlighted a shift towards the right, potentially impacting policies related to climate change, immigration, and decision-making within the European Parliament.
Despite the gains made by far-right parties, mainstream conservative parties like the European People’s Party have also seen success in various countries. The outcome of the elections could affect the leadership of institutions like the European Commission and shape the direction of EU policies. As the results continue to unfold, it will be important to assess the implications of the rightward shift in the European Parliament and its potential impact on key issues facing the EU.
