The 2024 European Parliament elections have resulted in significant gains for far-right parties across the continent, signaling a dramatic shift in the political landscape of the European Union. These elections, held from June 6 to June 9, saw unprecedented support for nationalist and conservative movements, with profound implications for the future of EU governance.
In France, Marine Le Pen's National Rally emerged victorious with 31.5% of the vote, the highest ever for the party in a nationwide election. This stunning result prompted President Emmanuel Macron to dissolve the French parliament, leading to new national elections scheduled for June 30. The National Rally's triumph represents a major blow to Macron's centrist agenda and highlights the growing discontent among French voters with the current political establishment.
Liberal Belgium Prime Minister Alexander De Croo to resign after his party’s brutal loss to “far-right” parties in the national and European elections.
Here he is crying about the loss.
Liberal leaders in Europe are panicking now that their citizens are supporting hardline… pic.twitter.com/QyiBfzyOuZ
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 10, 2024
Germany also witnessed a significant shift as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured a historic second place, surpassing Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD). This outcome reflects the rising influence of anti-immigration and nationalist sentiments within the German electorate. The AfD's success is expected to further polarize German politics and challenge the stability of Scholz's coalition government.
The broader European context mirrors these national trends, with far-right and nationalist parties making substantial gains in several countries. In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy (FdI) solidified its position within the nationalist-conservative European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group. Similarly, Poland's Law and Justice (PiS) party and Spain's Vox party also performed strongly, reinforcing the ECR's influence in the European Parliament.
IT'S HAPPENING 🇩🇪
The right-wing party in Germany celebrate as they are set to be the second largest party in the EU elections.
All over Europe the right has seen massive wins.pic.twitter.com/1fwsVnCkuo
— PeterSweden (@PeterSweden7) June 9, 2024
The European People's Party (EPP) remains the largest political group, but its dominance is challenged by the rise of the far-right and the decline of centrist and liberal parties. Ursula von der Leyen's bid for a second term as President of the European Commission is now uncertain, as she will need to navigate a fragmented parliament to secure the necessary support.
In Spain, the conservative People's Party (PP) continues to lead the opposition, while the ruling Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) faces growing pressure from both the far-right and nationalist factions. This shifting dynamic underscores the broader trend of conservative and nationalist gains across Europe, which is reshaping the continent's political landscape.
These election results reflect widespread dissatisfaction with traditional parties and a growing appetite for change among European voters. The implications for EU policy and governance are significant, as the strengthened far-right and nationalist presence in the European Parliament is likely to influence key decisions on issues such as immigration, economic policy, and EU integration.
As the newly-elected Members of the European Parliament take their seats, the coming months will reveal how these shifts will translate into concrete political actions and whether new alliances will form to navigate the evolving political environment in Europe.
