European Union Elections 2024: Who won and who lost
Far Right Gains Ground, Liberals Lose
The recent European Union elections have marked a significant victory for far-right parties across the continent, signaling a challenging road ahead for liberal and green agendas. With voters in 27 countries casting their ballots, the political landscape in Brussels is set for a notable shift, impacting policies on issues ranging from environmental protection to immigration.
Centre-Right Holds Ground, Far Right Surges:
The centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, maintained its stronghold as the largest bloc in the European Parliament. Von der Leyen expressed confidence in thwarting challenges posed by far-right factions, even as these groups made significant gains.
Key Winners and Losers
Winners
The EPP solidified its position, securing eight additional seats compared to the previous elections.
The far-right Identity and Democracy (ID), under the leadership of Marine Le Pen, saw a notable surge, gaining nine more seats.
Nonaligned parties, encompassing diverse political ideologies, witnessed an increase in representation, capturing 99 seats.
The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), led by Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, gained four additional seats.
Losers
The centre-left Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) experienced a setback, losing four seats despite remaining the second strongest bloc.
The liberal Renew Europe (RE) suffered a significant blow, losing 22 seats.
The Greens party, which had made substantial gains in 2019, faced a setback, losing 19 seats.
Shifts in Political Atmosphere:
Analysts attribute these gains and losses to a shifting political climate in Europe, influenced by geopolitical tensions, economic challenges, and societal anxieties. The rise of the far right reflects a growing demand for security and stability among voters, amidst uncertainty.
Impact on National Leaders
The electoral outcomes reverberated at the national level, reshaping political landscapes and testing the popularity of leaders:
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) faced a significant defeat, trailing behind conservative and far-right factions.
In France, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) surged ahead, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to dissolve parliament and call for snap elections.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party suffered its worst-ever result in European Parliament elections.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emerged as a winner, setting the stage for her leadership ahead of the G7 summit.
Implications and Challenges Ahead
While far-right parties celebrate their gains, internal divisions and divergent agendas pose challenges to unified action. Despite their collective strength, these factions may impede EU policies on critical issues such as climate change, migration, and foreign aid.
The election outcomes underscore the complex dynamics shaping European politics, with implications for regional cooperation and global engagement.
