European politics shifts rightward in 2024 with rising influence of far-right parties
Europe's Political Shift: Rise of Right-Wing Parties in 2024
In 2024, Europe has seen a significant shift towards right-wing and far-right political parties. This trend has been evident in both European and national elections in countries like Portugal and Austria. According to political science professor Pascal Delwit, this is a long-term movement driven by voter concerns about immigration and its impact on wages.
European Elections
In the June 2024 European elections, the centre-right European People's Party (EPP) won 188 out of 720 seats in the European Parliament. The Social Democrats (S&D) followed with 136 seats, and the far-right Patriots for Europe secured 84 seats. This has shifted the European Parliament towards the right, with increased influence from parties like the EPP, European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR), and Patriots for Europe.
National Elections
Right-wing and far-right parties have also gained ground in national elections. In Austria, the far-right FPO, led by Herbert Kickl, achieved its best result since World War II. In Belgium, the conservative N-VA party led the parliamentary elections, followed by the far-right Vlaams Belang. Portugal's centre-right opposition won in March, and France's far-right National Rally (RN) emerged as the leading party in both European and parliamentary elections.
Political Landscape
Despite these shifts, left-wing parties remain in power in some countries like Denmark, Spain, and Romania. However, the political landscape in Europe mirrors the rightward shift seen in the US, with Donald Trump's victory. Germany is now under scrutiny as the potential collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition could lead to early elections, marking a significant moment for European politics in 2025.
Doubts Revealed
Right-Wing Parties
Right-wing parties are political groups that often focus on traditional values, national pride, and sometimes stricter immigration policies. They are different from left-wing parties, which usually focus on equality and social welfare.
Far-Right
Far-right refers to political groups that have extreme views, often focusing on nationalism and sometimes opposing immigration strongly. They are more extreme than regular right-wing parties.
European People's Party (EPP)
The European People's Party (EPP) is a group of political parties in Europe that work together in the European Parliament. They are generally center-right, meaning they have moderate right-wing views.
European Parliament
The European Parliament is a place where representatives from different countries in Europe come together to make laws and decisions for the European Union. It's like a big meeting of leaders from different countries.
National Elections
National elections are when people in a country vote to choose their leaders, like the Prime Minister or President, and other important positions. It's like choosing a class monitor in school.
Immigration
Immigration is when people move from one country to another to live there. Sometimes, people have different opinions about how many people should be allowed to move to their country.
Wages
Wages are the money people earn from working. Concerns about wages mean people are worried about how much money they are getting paid for their jobs.
Austria, Belgium, Portugal, France
These are countries in Europe. Each has its own government and elections, just like India has states with their own governments.
Germany's Political Future
This means people are unsure about what will happen in Germany's government. There might be new elections earlier than planned, which is like having a surprise test in school.
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