The Right Surges in EU Elections, With Liana Fix and Matthias Mattijs
Jun 11, 2024
auto_awesome
Discussing the 2024 European Parliament elections, Liana Fix and Matthias Mattijs explore topics such as German power in European Russia policy, EU election stakes, and potential shifts in European politics. They analyze the impact of the recent elections on the EU's political landscape, highlighting trends in voter turnout, far-right support, and the resilience of the pro-EU center. The podcast also delves into the selection process for the head of the European Commission and the implications of Ursula von der Leyen's potential second term.
The recent EU elections revealed the strength of the centrist political spectrum, with the center-right gaining ground and far-right parties facing challenges in making significant inroads.
The selection of the head of the European Commission, currently held by Ursula von der Leyen, is influenced by the European Parliament and the support she garners, potentially impacted by French President Macron's electoral strategy.
Deep dives
Overview of European Parliamentary Elections
Over 400 million voters across the 27 EU member states participated in the recent European parliamentary elections. Voter turnout was around 51%, with results varying based on national political landscapes. The European Parliament is the only directly elected EU body and influences policies ranging from trade to the environment. Seats in the European Parliament are assigned roughly based on member state population, with the main seat traditionally in Strasbourg, complemented by locations in Luxembourg and Brussels.
Selection of European Commission Head
The European Parliament plays a role in selecting the head of the European Commission, with Ursula von der Leyen currently in that position. While the Parliament needs to confirm the candidate proposed by the heads of member states, von der Leyen enjoys significant support. Her success could be influenced by French President Macron's electoral strategy, as he called for early elections, potentially impacting von der Leyen's re-election prospects.
Political Trends and Far-Right Surge
The recent EU elections highlighted the strength of the centrist political spectrum, with the center-right gaining ground and the far-right failing to make significant inroads. Notable shifts included losses for liberal and green parties, partially attributed to performance issues in key countries like Germany and France. Far-right parties in various countries attempted to mainstream themselves, impacting the political landscape and challenging traditional party dynamics.
Implications for Foreign Policy and Governance
The aftermath of the EU elections raised considerations for foreign policy and governance within the EU. Despite perceived shifts, key policy areas like security and defense gained importance for European citizens, reflecting evolving priorities. While concerns about potential shifts in support for Ukraine were raised, the overall continuity in the European Parliament suggests ongoing backing for the country. Challenges in governmental coherence may arise from internal squabbles, potentially hindering broader institutional reforms needed for EU competitiveness in a changing global landscape.
Liana Fix, a fellow for Europe at the CFR, and Matthias Mattijs, senior fellow for Europe at CFR and associate professor of international political economy at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies, sit down with James M. Lindsay to discuss the results and consequences of the 2024 European Parliament elections.