In the recent European parliamentary elections, right-wing parties made notable gains, particularly in Germany and France, often at the expense of liberal and progressive factions. However, Europe's mainstream conservatives, the European People's Party (EPP), maintained their lead, even managing to add a few seats, according to provisional results.
The EPP's strategy of integrating more right-leaning policies to prevent voters from shifting to further-right rivals appeared to have paid off. Here are some of the key trends from the elections:
- The Greens: They were among the biggest losers, losing a quarter of their seats after having established themselves as a significant progressive force in the European Parliament.
- AfD: The far-right Alternative for Germany party secured a record 16% of the vote, despite being under suspicion by a domestic intelligence agency for being an "extremist" group. Their two top candidates faced a campaign prohibition following a series of public scandals.
- France: President Emmanuel Macron faced a significant defeat, prompting him to call for snap elections. Analysts suggest this move might be a strategy to prevent his opposition from organizing effectively, presenting voters with a clear choice between his leadership and the far-right alternatives.
These results indicate a shift in the European political landscape, with the right gaining momentum but the center still holding a significant position of influence.
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