Germany completed its European elections on June 9, 2024, with the Union securing a decisive victory. As per the Federal Returning Officer, the combined CDU and CSU garnered 30.0% of the votes, distancing themselves significantly from the AfD, which strengthened its position to 15.9%. This electoral result is set against the backdrop of an evolving European political landscape, where around 66 million Germans were eligible to vote. It is a pivotal moment given the concurrent shifts seen in other EU member states like France and Italy.
The election's outcome saw the coalition parties ruling in Berlin facing notable setbacks. The SPD recorded its worst performance in a nationwide election with just 13.9%, while the Greens plummeted further to 11.9%, and the FDP had a slight dip, landing at 5.2%. A significant development was the new left-wing alliance, Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), which managed 6.2% on its debut. The Left Party, however, only achieved 2.7%, reflecting a broader trend of declining support for left-leaning groups in the region.
Ursula von der Leyen, the CDU politician and current President of the EU Commission, stands a strong chance of securing another term following the EPP's robust showing. This center-right alliance, including the CDU and CSU, now holds 184 seats in the European Parliament, up from the previous 176 out of 705. This consolidation underscores the continued dominance of center-right politics in the EU, despite notable gains from right-wing parties across Europe.
France also witnessed significant electoral movements. The Renaissance list led by Valérie Hayer came in second with 15.2% of the votes, overshadowed by Jordan Bardella's RN at 31.5%. This shift highlights the rising skepticism among French voters, a sentiment echoed by MoDem president François Bayrou, an ally of Emmanuel Macron. Bayrou acknowledged the vote's significance, interpreting it as a call to reevaluate and possibly overhaul political life in France.
The government’s extensive efforts to garner support for Valérie Hayer's list included mass meetings and media engagement. Despite these efforts, the Renaissance list could only secure 14 or 15 seats, a drop from the 23 seats they held in 2019. High-profile endorsements, including a prominent interview with President Macron, seemed insufficient to sway a considerable portion of voters. The results reflect broader European trends where parties, including those in Germany's ruling coalition, received lower support than anticipated.
- The voter turnout in Germany was notably significant, with around 32.3% having voted by midday on June 9, as reported by the Federal Returning Officer. This turnout indicates a heightened political engagement among citizens, reflecting the election's critical importance. The overall voter turnout in the last EU elections in 2019 was 61.4%, showcasing a robust democratic participation in Germany.
- In this election, Germany retained its position as the most populous EU country, contributing 96 out of the new 720 seats in the European Parliament. This strong representation highlights Germany's crucial role in shaping EU policies and decisions. France, with 81 seats, and Italy, with 76 seats, also play significant roles, emphasizing the weight of these elections in determining the future direction of the Union.
- The results of the European elections also underline the shifting dynamics within Germany. Notably, the new left-wing alliance, Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), made an impressive debut with 6.2%. This result marks a critical point of interest, reflecting a potential rebalancing of political forces within Germany.
- France’s electoral results exemplify a broader European trend of rising right-wing influence. Jordan Bardella's RN outperformed significantly, securing 31.5% of the votes. This outcome underscores a growing nationalism and euroscepticism among French voters, a development closely watched by political analysts and EU policymakers alike.
