The traditional powers of the European Union faced a significant challenge as far-right parties made major gains in parliamentary seats, dealing a particularly stinging blow to French President Emmanuel Macron, prompting him to announce snap legislative elections.
While some ballots were still being counted on Monday, the results indicated a clear shift to the right in the European Parliament’s membership across the 27-nation bloc. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni’s party saw a substantial increase in seats, while the Alternative for Germany (AfD), despite facing scandals, managed to gain enough seats to surpass the slumping Social Democrats led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Recognizing the threat posed by the far right, the Christian Democrats, led by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, had already adopted more conservative stances on migration and climate, a move that helped them maintain their position as the largest group in the European Parliament and key brokers of legislative power.
However, the surge of nationalist and populist parties complicates the legislative process, making it challenging for the assembly to pass legislation on crucial issues like climate change and agriculture policy in the coming years.
The standout performer of the election night was Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party in France, dominating the polls to such an extent that Macron dissolved the national parliament and called for new elections. This move carries significant political risk for Macron, whose party could suffer further losses, potentially undermining the remainder of his presidential term.
In response, Le Pen expressed readiness to tackle the challenges ahead, emphasizing themes of national interest and immigration—a sentiment echoed by far-right leaders across Europe celebrating their electoral victories.
Despite Macron’s acknowledgment of defeat and commitment to address voter concerns, projections in Germany showed a rise in support for the AfD, indicating that voters were undeterred by the party’s controversies.
Overall, mainstream pro-European groups like the Christian Democrats and the Socialists maintained dominance in the European Parliament, although the Greens suffered losses, impacting the balance of power.
As discussions on alliances ensue, the future dynamics of the assembly hinge on whether the far right can form a cohesive bloc to challenge the pro-European groups.
The elections come at a critical juncture for the EU, with challenges ranging from the pandemic to economic crises and geopolitical tensions, underscoring the importance of navigating a cohesive European agenda amidst divergent national interests.
