Significant Advancements of Extreme Right Blocs: Key Insights from European Elections
Substantial progress has been made by extreme right parties in securing parliamentary seats within the European Union.
While some votes in the European Parliament elections are still undergoing tallies, the results indicate a noticeable shift towards the right in the parliamentary composition of the 27-nation bloc.
Victors of the Election
The surge of the extreme right was anticipated and seems to have come to fruition, with populist, nationalist, and Eurosceptic parties set to capture slightly less than a quarter of the total votes.
Notably in France, the decisive victory of the National Rally sent a clear message to President Emmanuel Macron, prompting him to call for an unexpected parliamentary election.
Italian leader Giorgia Meloni received a boost from the results. Pic: AP
In Italy, Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, representing the far right, achieved 28% of the votes, enhancing her domestic stature and arguably establishing her as one of the most influential leaders in Europe.
In Germany, the Alternative for Germany party managed to surpass the Chancellor’s socialists, securing third place and diverting over half a million votes from them.
Youth are perceived as a significant support base, with 16-year-olds exercising their voting rights for the first time in Germany. Throughout Europe, nationalist parties capitalized on concerns related to soaring costs, immigration, and conflicts.
Dejected Parties
Green parties across Europe seemed to face significant setbacks, anticipated to lose approximately 18 parliamentary seats in the new European Parliament.
Since the previous election in 2019, global dynamics have shifted drastically due to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, potentially altering people’s voting priorities.
In the midst of high inflation and a cost of living crisis, many voters have switched their allegiance to other political factions.
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Emmanuel Macron calls a snap election
In Germany, the Social Democrats, under Olaf Scholz, experienced their poorest electoral performance ever, prompting calls for him to emulate Macron’s actions.
Despite various scandals plaguing the AfD opposition prior to the election, including the withdrawal of the lead candidate due to controversial statements regarding the Nazi SS troops, the party managed to secure substantial support.
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Consequences if Macron’s risk-taking fails?
An investigation is ongoing into allegations of espionage for China involving one of Macron’s aides, while another candidate faces accusations of receiving funds from a pro-Russian media outlet.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo announced his intention to step down following disappointing election outcomes for his party.
One Last Remark
Although the surge of the extreme right has dominated headlines, it’s essential to acknowledge that the center-right emerged as the overall victors with the European People’s Party consolidating its dominance in the assembly.
Provisional results indicate they are slated to hold around 189 seats, providing considerable influence in the upcoming parliament.
