Formation of New Right-Wing Group in European Parliament
The right-wing alliance 'Patriots for Europe,' initiated by Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, is forming a new group in the European Parliament. This group, announced in Brussels, includes parties such as Orban's Fidesz from Hungary, the French Rassemblement National (RN), Italy's Lega, and Austria's FPÖ. The new group, led by Frenchman Jordan Bardella, is expected to become the third strongest force in the European Parliament, behind the Social Democrats and the centre-right EPP alliance.
Objectives and Ideologies of 'Patriots for Europe'
The 'Patriots for Europe' alliance aims to challenge the current European Union dynamics. Their 'Patriotic Manifesto' outlines key positions: rejecting migration and the 'Green Deal,' opposing support for Ukraine, and advocating for national sovereignty over EU integration. The group has members from twelve countries with a total of 84 members, surpassing the required 23 members from at least seven countries needed to form a group in the European Parliament.
Implications and Future Prospects
The new alliance is seen as a significant development in European politics. Viktor Orban, who recently faced criticism for his visit to Moscow, aims to 'change Europe even against the will of the Brussels elites.' The formation of this group could weaken the influence of other right-wing factions like Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's ECR group. The RN, which recently had a less than expected performance in French legislative elections, will play a crucial role within this new group. The alliance also includes other notable right-wing parties from Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark.
- The FPÖ has been a significant political force in Austria for decades and is currently on the rise, with strong anti-immigration stances. The populist ANO party from the Czech Republic, led by former Prime Minister Andrej Babis, is also a key member. Marine Le Pen's RN, which has been trying to shed its right-wing extremist image, is expected to lead in numbers within the new group.
- The Lega, led by Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, is known for its tough stance on immigration and has been part of the Italian government since October 2022. Spain's Vox, known for its nationalist and anti-immigration rhetoric, is also part of the alliance. Other smaller right-wing parties from the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal have expressed their interest in joining.
- The German AfD, despite its ideological alignment, has chosen not to join the new alliance for the time being due to strategic considerations. The new group is expected to be officially confirmed at the next plenary session in Strasbourg next week.
