European Center-Left Warns of EU Election Right-Wing Surge
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has sounded the alarm, cautioning his fellow European center-left politicians about the precarious state of Europe's political landscape. Speaking in Rome ahead of the EU election campaign, Sánchez highlighted the urgent need to address the rising influence of right-wing and far-right parties across the continent.
Center-Left Faces Uphill Battle
With the European Parliament vote looming, only four EU member states currently have center-left or left-wing parties in government. Recent electoral performances have been lackluster for these parties, signaling a challenging road ahead.
Decline of European Left
According to Professor Marc Lazar of Sciences Po and Luiss University, the European left has been in a state of decline since the late 1990s and early 2000s. This decline has left the center-left parties struggling to maintain their foothold in European politics.
Projection for Center-Left in European Parliament
The Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), Europe's center-left grouping, is to hold onto at best 139 seats in the outgoing European Parliament. This pales in comparison to the momentum enjoyed by right-wing parties across the continent.
Successes Limited to Few Countries
While the center-left may see success in a handful of countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Lithuania, and Malta, even these victories are accompanied by challenges. Denmark's Social Democrats, for instance, are bracing for a significant drop in support.
Challenges for Center-Left Leaders
Leaders like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez are facing tough battles against their conservative opponents. Scholz's Social Democrats are grappling with a decline in support, while Sánchez's amnesty deal with Catalan parties has drawn criticism from rival factions.
Shift in Center-Left Policies
Pawel Zerka, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, notes a shift in center-left policies towards more liberal ideals, blurring the lines between them and the center-right. This ideological convergence has left voters disillusioned with traditional center-left platforms.
Championing New Issues
As the center-left embraced issues like gender equality, LGBT rights, and environmental policies, they found favor with urban youth but lost touch with working-class families. This perception shift has further eroded support for the center left across Europe.
