Brussels (Washington Insider Magazine)—Leaders of Europe’s most prominent far-right parties convened in Brussels on Wednesday to explore the possibility of unifying the fragmented right wing within the European Parliament. This meeting follows significant gains by far-right parties in recent European elections.
Key Figures and Parties Involved
According to Euronews, Marine Le Pen of France’s National Rally (RN), whose party secured 30 seats in the European Parliament, met with Matteo Salvini of Italy’s League party. Other notable attendees included Geert Wilders of the Dutch PVV party, Tom Van Grieken of Belgium’s Vlaams Belang, and André Ventura of Portugal’s Chega. Representatives from far-right parties in the Czech Republic, Austria, and Denmark participated.
Goals and Statements
The League stated that Salvini and Le Pen discussed the potential unification of Europe’s “centre right.” André Ventura highlighted that the Identity and Democracy (ID) group, which aligns these parties, is seeking to expand into a broader right-wing bloc aimed at combating corruption, illegal immigration, and securing borders.
Potential for a United Right-Wing Bloc
Currently, far-right parties in the European Parliament are divided between the ID group and the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), which includes Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy and Spain’s Vox. A merger could elevate them to the Parliament’s third or second-largest political force. Marine Le Pen has expressed interest in merging her ID group with Meloni’s ECR, although this poses a risk for Meloni’s established relationships within the EU.
Challenges and Divisions
Unifying these parties is complicated by issues such as the conflict in Ukraine, which has revealed significant divides within Europe’s far-right. Some parties, like Austria’s FPÖ, are seen as pro-Russian, opposing EU support for Ukraine. Additionally, Germany’s AfD was recently expelled from the ID group due to scandals involving alleged Russian influence operations.
Shifting Stances on Key Issues
Some far-right parties have recently moderated their positions on contentious issues like support for Ukraine and anti-EU sentiment. Leaders like Le Pen and Wilders have returned from previous suggestions of leaving the EU if they came to power. Le Pen’s party has distanced itself from more radical right-wing elements in France while seeking alliances with center-right factions.
Warnings from Centrist and Left-Leaning Groups
Centrist and left-wing forces caution Europe’s traditional center-right parties against aligning with radical right-wing partners, warning of potential negative impacts on Ukraine and European geopolitical stability.