The 2024 European Parliament elections have resulted in significant political shifts across the European Union, with major implications for the member states, including Germany and Spain. In Germany, the Union parties (CDU/CSU) emerged victorious, while both the SPD and the Greens faced substantial losses. This outcome has led to a series of introspections and calls for course corrections within the defeated parties.
Green Party leader Robert Habeck has announced an error analysis to address their poor performance. He acknowledged the election results were a heavy blow for the governing parties, including his own. Political scientist Werner Patzelt attributed the Green Party’s failure to their current governance, particularly their controversial energy laws, and the diminishing appeal of their leaders, Robert Habeck and Annalena Baerbock.
Meanwhile, SPD leader Saskia Esken called for unity among the traffic light coalition parties in the face of these defeats. Despite the setback, she emphasized the need to prioritize the interests of the people over party lines in the upcoming federal budget negotiations. Peter Kubicki, Vice-President of the FDP, echoed the necessity for a strategic shift, criticizing the Greens for their patronizing political stance.
In the broader European context, the Green Deal faces uncertainty as several right-wing groups, who often deny the existence or human causation of climate change, gained ground. Climate activist Luisa Neubauer expressed concern over the significant number of young votes for the AfD, while still noting that climate protection remains a priority for many young voters.
Spain experienced its own political upheavals. The Socialist Party (PSOE) lost its leading position to the Popular Party (PP) in the European Parliament. The PP earned 22 seats, surpassing PSOE's 20 seats. This shift is seen as a vote of no confidence in President Pedro Sánchez's government, amidst rising support for far-right parties such as Vox, which gained traction with six seats.
Javier Milei, the far-right Argentine President, celebrated the electoral success of right-wing parties in the EU. He framed these results as a victory for freedom and a defense of right-wing ideas, drawing parallels with political dynamics in Argentina. The growing influence of far-right parties like Vox in Spain and the broader European Parliament echoes a wider trend of rising nationalist and conservative forces across the continent.
As the dust settles from the 2024 European elections, the political landscape of the EU is set to undergo substantial changes. The center-right European People's Party (EPP) is expected to maintain a significant presence with potential allies in pro-European factions, but the rise of right-wing and nationalist parties will undoubtedly shape the future discourse and policies within the EU.
- Other European states witnessed similar shifts. In Italy, the right-wing coalition led by Giorgia Meloni solidified its power, while France saw a strong showing from right-wing parties, which poses a challenge to the current governments of both nations.
- The election results also highlighted a generational divide, with young voters showing significant support for progressive and climate-focused parties, in contrast to older demographics leaning towards conservative and right-wing choices.
- Commentators have pointed out that the increased voter turnout, the highest since reunification in Germany, indicates a rejuvenated interest in EU politics. The usage of election tools like Wahl-O-Mat suggests that voters are actively seeking information to guide their choices.
- Ursula von der Leyen, representing the EPP, may retain her position as President of the EU Commission, provided she garners sufficient support from multiple pro-European groups in the parliament. This will be crucial for the continuity of key EU initiatives such as the Green Deal.
