It was a fine weekend for the distant right across the European Union, and a terror for liberals and greens, as citizens in 27 countries headed to the polls to elect the bloc’s upcoming parliament.
The centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stood its base, staying the most powerful company in the European Parliament. “We will destroy them — this is for sure,” von der Leyen described her supporters, triumphant in her tone.
But a growing far-right sight at the heart of Europe is predicted to shake up procedures in Brussels. As von der Leyen desires a second term as European Commission president, she will have to negotiate with a parliament less environmentally pleasant, more fragmented and increasingly unwelcoming towards settlers, viewers say.
The major shift
Winners
The centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) assured itself as the 720-seat chamber’s largest bloc, achieving eight more centres compared to the 2019 elections for a total of 182.
The far-right Individualism and Democracy (ID), led by France’s Marine Le Pen, won 58 seats, nine more compared to five years ago.
Nonaligned parties – which contain parties from both the right and the left that do not belong to one of the identified political parties – won 99 seats, 37 more than in 2019.
The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), overwhelmed by Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, gained four more seats than five years ago.
Zero-sum game
The centre-left Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) bested 139 seats, precisely the number it won in 2019. Still, it came second in major countries such as Spain, where it was rated as the first party in 2019.
Losers
The liberal Renew Europe (RE) failed 22 chairs in a major blow. The Greens group, which made strong progress in the 2019 elections, also had a significant impact by losing 19 seats.
Such progress and setbacks point to a substantial shift in the political environment in Europe compared to the last round of votes in 2019, according to reviewers.
What does it all mean?
Despite their comprehensive gains, far-right groups are separated among themselves. For instance, the ID kicked out the German AfD in May after remarks from a head of the party showing sympathy with the Nazis.
“Collaborating in the name of a superior purpose is not really their special exercise,” said Olaf Bohnke, Berlin director of the Alliance of Democracies Foundation, a non-profit community, speaking of far-right groups.
Still, said Bohnke, these far-right parties could slow down or block EU policies – particularly those related to climate adaptation, migration and unfamiliar policy, including aid to Ukraine.