Europe (Washington Insider Magazine)— On Sunday, Hundreds of millions of voters are going to the polls in European parliament elections that are expected to tilt the assembly further to the radical and far right, shaping the continent’s future course. In a year of pivotal elections, the EU vote is especially significant, on a continent witnessing polarised politics and increased nationalism.
Major EU States at the Polls
In the first European election following Britain’s departure from the EU, voters will elect 720 members to the world’s first directly elected transnational parliament. Opinion polls show that the mainstream, pro-European groups will maintain their majority, but their clout and influence will be tested like never before, with nationalist and far-right parties poised to win a record number of seats.
Shift in Power Dynamics
According to the Guardian, While mainstream pro-European groups are anticipated to keep their majority, they will face competition from nationalist and far-right parties. These groups are on track to win a record number of seats, indicating a probable shift in the European Parliament’s power dynamic.
European Parliament’s Growing Influence
Over the past 20 years, the European Parliament—which is frequently regarded as merely a forum for debate—has been granted significant legislative powers. Ministers from national governments and members of the European Parliament (MEPs) collaborate on various of EU projects, such as worker rights, AI, climate action, and agricultural subsidies. The European Commission President is one of the important posts in the EU that the Parliament has significant authority to designate.
Party Performance Projections
With about 176 seats, the center-right European People’s Party, led by German politician Ursula von der Leyen, is predicted to continue as the largest bloc. With roughly 139 seats, the center-left Socialists and Democrats are expected to finish in second place.. However, the centrist Renew group and the Greens are likely to lose seats due to weaker support in France and Germany.
National Dynamics Influencing Results
In Germany, the Greens are anticipated to lose seats due to controversies over domestic climate laws, impacting the wider European Parliament group. Meanwhile, in France, Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally is expected to outperform President Emmanuel Macron’s party, potentially displacing the centrist Renew group from its traditional third-place standing.
Rising Far-Right Influence
The nationalist European Conservatives and Reformists group could see gains, driven by the success of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party. Polls suggest that nationalist and far-right parties could secure a record 165 MEPs, although they may remain fragmented across multiple groups.
Hungarian Alignment in Question
Observers are eager to see whether Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán can link his Fidesz MEPs with a right-wing coalition. Fidesz has been without a political home since departing the centre-right EPP in 2021, citing worries over Hungary’s authoritarian tendencies.
Dutch Elections Set the Tone
In the Netherlands, a tight race saw the Green-Left-Labour alliance narrowly leading over the far-right Freedom Party in exit polls. The results in the Netherlands highlight the uncertain outcome of the broader European elections, with significant implications for the balance of power.
Youth Vote and Turnout
Belgians vote in federal, regional, and European elections. In Belgium, voting is obligatory, and Princess Eléonore, 16, voted in the European election with Crown Princess Elisabeth and their two brothers. A robust campaign aimed at motivating young voters has seen widespread engagement.
Election Results Anticipated
An estimated 361 million people are voting during this four-day election cycle. The final polls close at 11 PM CET on Sunday, with officials expecting a clear picture of the next Parliament by early Monday morning.
This election is poised to reshape the European political landscape, reflecting the growing influence of nationalist and far-right parties amid evolving voter sentiments across the continent.