Center-Right EPP Alliance Dominates European Elections
The European People's Party (EPP), led by the German top candidate Ursula von der Leyen, has emerged victorious in the recent European elections, consolidating its position as the strongest political camp. According to the first official forecast from the European Parliament, the EPP will claim the presidency of the EU Commission, positioning von der Leyen at the helm of the powerful Brussels authority for another five-year term. EPP leader Manfred Weber (CSU) announced that the winner of the election now has the right to appoint the President of the Commission.
Far-Right Parties Gain Ground but Remain Minor
Despite significant gains by far-right parties compared to five years ago, they remain distant from gaining a majority in the European Parliament. Parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD) witnessed a remarkable rise, securing second place with 16.5% of the vote in Germany. Similarly, the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) in Austria garnered around 27% of the votes, a substantial increase from the previous election. However, even if all right-wing parties were to unite, they would hold fewer than 200 seats, far from the 361 needed for a majority.
Social Democrats and Other Political Forces
The Social Democrats maintain their stance as the second-strongest force with 135 seats, representing a quarter of the 720 seats in the European Parliament. They are followed by the Liberals, who have slipped to 82 seats. Meanwhile, the two right-wing populist party alliances, EKR and ID, have gained 71 and 62 seats, respectively. In contrast, the Greens faced significant losses, holding only 53 seats, indicative of a political climate influenced by recent global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Conversations and Coalition Dynamics
In the coming days, the EPP is expected to engage in discussions with the Social Democrats, Liberals, and Greens to establish a loose coalition that could secure a majority for Ursula von der Leyen's election. Additionally, potential cooperation with individual right-wing parties, like those led by Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, could be explored. The German AfD's exclusion from the ID faction just before the elections, due to controversial statements and espionage allegations, adds another layer of complexity to the coalition dynamics.
Future Parliamentary Challenges
Securing a majority in the European Parliament is set to be more challenging than ever. This will be the second time since 2019 that the combined forces of the EPP and the social democratic group S&D fall short of a majority. This necessitates alliances with other parties, not just for personnel decisions but for passing EU laws and budgets. This development underscores the shifting political landscape and the need for strategic collaborations to maintain legislative efficiency in the European Union.
- The European Parliament is the only directly elected body in the EU, with representatives elected by citizens of member states since 1979. The election turnout and the shifting political dynamics reflect broader concerns of European citizens, including economic challenges, migration, and the ramifications of international conflicts like the war in Ukraine.
- In France, the participation rate has increased compared to previous years, marking a significant engagement from voters. Marine Le Pen's right-wing national party, Rassemblement National, has shown substantial strength, which presents challenges and opportunities for the future balance of power in the EU Parliament.
- Participation in countries like Spain has seen a notable decline, with a drop of 11 percentage points compared to the 2019 elections. This drop in turnout highlights varying degrees of voter engagement across different regions, influenced by local political climates.
- In Italy, the far-right led coalition has also seen a rise in support, similar to trends observed across Europe. The voting patterns in these elections reflect widespread sentiments on issues such as the cost of living, climate policies, and immigration, with far-right parties capitalizing on these concerns.
- The involvement of younger voters and first-time voters, such as the Belgian princes, also signifies a generational shift in political engagement. This trend may shape future elections and policy decisions within the European Union.
- Despite the rise of far-right parties, the center-right and center-left groups continue to hold significant influence, underscoring the complex and evolving political landscape of Europe. The future of European integration and cooperation hangs in the balance, influenced by these diverse political forces and the electoral outcomes.
