New Far-Right Alliance Plans to Reshape EU Parliament
A political earthquake is brewing in Brussels as Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announces a new alliance with populist parties from Austria and the Czech Republic. The new grouping, named 'Patriots for Europe,' aims to become the largest faction of right-wing forces in the European Parliament. This coalition includes Hungary's ruling Fidesz party, Austria's FPÖ, and the Czech ANO party, and seeks to gain more members from other EU states.
Ambitions and Key Objectives of the Alliance
Herbert Kickl, leader of the Austrian FPÖ, described the alliance as a 'launch vehicle' for their political ambitions. The Czech ANO party, led by former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, emphasized that the group's primary focus would be on defending national sovereignty, combating illegal migration, and reversing the EU's Green Deal climate measures. With Fidesz holding eleven seats, ANO seven, and FPÖ six, the coalition currently has 24 of the 705 seats in the European Parliament.
The formation of this new alliance raises questions about the future participation of Germany's AfD, which was recently expelled from the right-wing Identity and Democracy (ID) group due to numerous scandals. The AfD's exclusion followed controversial statements by its top European candidate, Maximilian Krah, and allegations of espionage against one of its employees. Whether the AfD will join this new far-right faction remains uncertain.
Viktor Orbán's decision to form a new group comes after Fidesz's departure from the conservative European People's Party (EPP) in 2021 and failed attempts to join the Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group. Orbán has indicated that the future of the right in Europe could lie in the hands of leaders like Giorgia Meloni and Marine Le Pen. For this new conservative alliance to be officially recognized in the European Parliament, it will require support from members of parliament from four additional EU countries.
- The new far-right faction's formation is seen as a significant shift in the European political landscape, potentially reshaping the dynamics within the EU Parliament. The coalition's emphasis on national sovereignty and anti-migration policies aligns with the broader populist and nationalist movements gaining traction across Europe.
- The alliance's stance on reversing the EU's Green Deal could also spark significant debate and opposition from other political groups within the parliament. As climate change remains a critical global issue, the coalition's approach may face resistance from environmental advocates and progressive parties.
- The potential inclusion of the AfD in this new group could further complicate the political dynamics, given the party's controversial history and recent scandals. The AfD's future in the European Parliament will depend on its ability to align with the new faction's objectives and overcome its tarnished reputation.
