The Intelligence from The Economist Continental breakfast: European elections
May 28, 2019
Jeremy Cliff, Brussels bureau chief for The Economist, shares insights into the recent European Parliament elections. He discusses the unexpected challenges faced by populist parties despite their surge in Britain and highlights the Green Party's strong performance driven by climate issues. The conversation also delves into the shifting political dynamics across Europe, especially among younger voters. Additionally, Cliff touches on the growth of e-commerce and its impact on real estate, alongside a quirky look at the resurgence of quinoa in healthy snacking.
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European Parliament Election Results
- The European Parliament elections resulted in a shake-up, with traditional parties losing ground.
- Populist parties made gains, but less than predicted, while Green parties saw a surge.
Fragmentation of the European Parliament
- The two dominant parties in the European Parliament, the Social Democrats and Christian Democrats, lost a combined 86 seats.
- These losses benefited various parties across the political spectrum, including Greens, Liberals, and anti-European right-wing parties.
Brexit Party's Success and UK Fragmentation
- Nigel Farage's Brexit Party won big in the UK, uniting voters dissatisfied with Brexit's handling.
- Support also increased for the pro-Remain Liberal Democrats, highlighting political fragmentation similar to other European countries.