European Parliament Elections: Shift to the Right Expected on June 6-9

EUROPEAN UNION ELECTIONS: SHIFT TO THE RIGHT EXPECTED

As voters in the 27 countries of the European Union prepare to elect 720 lawmakers to the European Parliament on June 6-9, a shift to the right is anticipated. The parliament, which has been governed by a three-group majority of the centre-right European People’s Party, centre-left Socialists and Democrats, and liberals of Renew Europe for the past five years, is expected to see changes in the upcoming election.

The outgoing parliament has been instrumental in steering EU policy, including initiatives such as the Green Deal and the EU response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The top jobs at EU institutions have also been divided among the three major political groups.

However, the political landscape is evolving, particularly among the hard and far-right groups, which have been regrouping, renaming, and relaunching since the last election. Here is a breakdown of the major political groups in the European Parliament:

– EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY: The largest group in the parliament, dominated by German Christian Democrats, has been a key player in the governing coalition. However, there is growing skepticism towards the green push in the lead-up to the election.

– PROGRESSIVE ALLIANCE OF SOCIALISTS AND DEMOCRATS: The second-largest group in the parliament, with a focus on fighting unemployment and promoting social justice, has faced controversy with the Qatargate cash-for-lobbying scandal.

– RENEW EUROPE: Dominated by French President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance party, this liberal group emphasizes its pro-European stance and support for EU democratic values.

– GREENS/EUROPEAN FREE ALLIANCE: Known for their advocacy for climate change action, the Greens are facing challenges as voters weigh the costs of the green transition.

– THE LEFT GROUP – GUE/NGL: Prioritizing workers’ rights and economic justice, this group faces uncertainty with a new German leftist breakaway.

– EUROPEAN CONSERVATIVES AND REFORMISTS (ECR): Dominated by Poland’s eurosceptic Law and Justice party, this hard-right group is expected to play a greater role in the new parliament.

– IDENTITY AND DEMOCRACY (ID): The furthest right group in parliament, with France’s RN, is expected to make gains in the election. However, controversies and accusations of serving Russian interests have marred their campaign.

As the European Union gears up for the elections, the political landscape is set for a shift to the right, with implications for the future direction of EU policy and governance.