In the first data on the European elections, it is evident that the European People’s Party and the nationalist right are gaining ground while the left is holding on. The Greens and Liberals, however, are giving way. Europe Elects aggregator’s projections indicate a growth for the EPP group to 184 seats, a decline for the S&D socialists to 136 seats, and a decrease for the Liberals to 88 seats. Meanwhile, the ECR group is projected to increase to 73 seats. It is expected that Id will have 67 seats, the Greens 56, Left 36, and non-members 80.
In specific countries, the CDU/CSU (EPP) is projected to lead in Germany with 30 seats, while FPO (Id) will lead in Austria with six seats. In the Netherlands, a Labour-Green coalition is expected to have majority representation with eight seats. New Democracy (EPP) will be leading in Greece with eight seats as well. However, final results are yet to be confirmed in Cyprus where a close race is predicted between liberal-conservative Democratic Grouping and progressive Workers’ Party.
It is important to note that voter turnout has had an impact on these election results. France experienced an increase in participation compared to previous elections while higher turnouts were reported in Hungary and Portugal. Spain saw a decrease in voting numbers by midday due to its early closing time for polling stations. Germany had a turnout of 32.3% at 2 pm which shows an increase compared to previous elections in 2019 as polling stations are open until 6 pm and around 60 million Germans are called to vote in these European elections.
While it appears that Europe’s political landscape is shifting towards conservatism and nationalism; it’s crucial not to overlook voter participation’s critical role in shaping Europe’s future direction and policies.
These outcomes of these elections will have significant impacts on European Union policies and direction over the next years.
As such, it’s important not only for voters but also politicians and policymakers alike to recognize this shift towards more conservative and nationalist views as we move forward into an uncertain future where democracy may face threats from extremist forces seeking power through violent means or undermining institutions like parliaments or judiciaries that serve as checks against such actions by governments or authoritarian regimes abroad.
In conclusion, while voter turnout plays an essential role in shaping Europe’s future direction and policies, it also highlights how vital it is for democracies around the world
