Historic Low Voter Turnout in European Elections Reflects Rising Populism
The recent European Parliament elections have marked a significant shift in the political landscape, as both Italy and broader Europe witness the rise of populist and far-right parties. Voter participation hit a historic low, with only 49.67% of eligible Italians casting their vote, down from previous years, reflecting a growing sense of disillusionment among the electorate. Across Europe, similar trends were observed, with provisional data suggesting a turnout of just 51% from over 360 million eligible voters.
In Italy, Giorgia Meloni’s Fratelli d'Italia (FdI) solidified its dominance with a 28.9% vote share, marginally leading over Elly Schlein-led Partito Democratico (PD) at 24.5%. Meanwhile, Giuseppe Conte’s Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S) faced a significant downturn, landing at 10.5%. Forza Italia, in coalition with Noi Moderati, garnered 9.2%, surpassing Matteo Salvini’s Lega at 8.5%. Despite the setbacks, Meloni emphasized the strength of her government, highlighting that Italy presents itself as the 'strongest government' in Europe.
Conte’s M5S announced a period of 'internal reflection' following their disappointing results, acknowledging the electorate’s 'unquestionable evaluation.' Similarly, Salvini, faced with internal dissent and underperformance, admitted the challenges but remained optimistic, asserting that the party is 'alive and lively.' Forza Italia leader Antonio Tajani celebrated the party’s growth, predicting a stronger centre-right coalition in the upcoming formation of the new EU Commission.
In a broader European context, the rise of far-right and ultra-nationalist parties has presented a formidable challenge to the traditional pro-European coalitions. The European People’s Party (EPP) won the most seats, but the combined power of far-right and Eurosceptic parties, now wielding over 148 seats, threatens to disrupt the legislative process. This surge was particularly evident in France and Germany, where Marine Le Pen’s National Rally and the Alternative for Germany (AfD) made significant gains, respectively. The Franco-German axis, a driving force of the EU, now faces substantial pressure from within.
The rise of these extremist parties has prompted the EPP to reconsider its alliances. Ursula Von der Leyen of the EPP emphasized building a 'bastion against the extremes' while maintaining necessary collaborations with Social Democrats, Liberals, and Greens. The Greens, in turn, have declared their willingness to collaborate, provided the environmental agenda remains a priority.
Overall, the results indicate a volatile political climate across Europe, especially amidst external threats like Russia’s war in Ukraine and potential geopolitical shifts with the prospect of Donald Trump’s return to the White House. The traditional conservative parties now face a dilemma: Whether to align with far-right factions or uphold pro-European alliances. The outcome of these elections not only reflects the immediate shifts within the European Parliament but also impacts the election of key European leadership positions, including the presidency of the Commission and the European Council.
- The increase in far-right influence within the European Parliament is significant, with many countries experiencing substantial gains by nationalist parties. In France, Marine Le Pen's National Rally has outperformed Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance, while Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) had its best result in history. This rise in Euroscepticism and Europhobia within legislative bodies poses critical challenges for the future of the European project.
- The declining voter turnout highlights the need for major political parties to reconnect with a disillusioned electorate. The trend towards lower participation is a worrying sign for democracy, and future efforts must focus on addressing voter apathy and increasing engagement in the political process.
- The European Parliament elections serve as a reflection of domestic politics within member states. Many governments and political parties will use these results to strategize for future national elections, making the connections and alliances formed in this context highly significant for the political dynamics within individual countries.
