Over the weekend, European Parliament elections all across the European Union have stirred things up within the bloc’s centrist establishment. The primaries of President Joe Biden‘s backers for Ukraine, and the efforts to deter Russia from expanding aggression, are now facing some domestic upheaval.
The projections indicate that the center-right European People’s Party will snag over 25% of the 720 available seats, while the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists are likely to secure around 73 seats. Meanwhile, the center-left Socialists and Democrats are expected to maintain their share around 137 seats. The liberal Renew Europe bloc is projected to clinch around 79 seats, marking a loss of over 20 representatives.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, a member of the EPP, highlighted that despite the shifts, the pro-European center has prevailed in the early projections.
France and Germany saw Eurosceptics and anti-immigration parties garner significant support, potentially challenging Biden’s pro-Ukraine stance. The unrest, fueled by the Ukraine conflict, has given the far right a platform to push their views on security, defense, and foreign policies.
Political Twists
In France, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally clinched nearly a third of the votes, leading President Emmanuel Macron to dissolve France’s parliament and call for snap elections. Le Pen’s party may gain the power to appoint a Prime Minister.
Macron, previously under fire for his approach towards Putin, is now advocating for deeper NATO involvement in Ukraine, including potential military actions against Russia.
In Germany, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, known for its far-right ideologies, secured a substantial vote share. Despite their pro-Russia leanings, Germany’s traditional centrist CDU/CSU Union remains influential, providing a stable support base for military assistance within the EU.
The EU’s unity faces turbulence amidst the political shake-up, potentially impacting crucial decisions related to Ukraine and other nations waiting to join the bloc. However, the rise of pro-Ukrainian coalitions within centrist parties brings hope for a continued backing from Europe.
Overall, the weekend’s election results point towards a shifting political landscape, where both challenges and opportunities lie ahead for Biden’s Ukraine coalition.