Two Months Left Until the European Parliament Election... Caution Against 'Far-Right Populism'

With the European Parliament elections approaching in June, concerns are rising over the surge of far-right populism.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union (EU) Commission, stated at a press conference held on the 7th (local time) at the ruling New Democracy Party (ND) event in Athens, Greece, ahead of the elections from June 6 to 9, that "a united and peaceful Europe is facing challenges both internally and externally."

Von der Leyen pointed out, "Putin's (Russian President Vladimir Putin) friends here in Europe are disguising themselves as populists or demagogues to rewrite our history and hijack our future." She then mentioned far-right parties across the EU, such as Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) and France's National Rally (RN), emphasizing that "although their names differ, their goals are the same."

Foreign media reported that this event was effectively von der Leyen's first official election campaign as she seeks re-election. Greece's ND is a member of the European People's Party (EPP), a center-right political group in the European Parliament to which von der Leyen belongs.

Similar concerns were raised at the European Socialists event, which is center-left and the second-largest group in the European Parliament after the EPP. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, speaking at the European Socialists event held the previous day in Bucharest, Romania, said, "Right-wing populists are campaigning against a united Europe," and pointed out that "(the far-right) are escalating hostility towards refugees and minorities." He also added that unwavering support for Ukraine is crucial for restoring peace in Europe.

In recent years, the spread of far-right movements has been confirmed in Europe due to issues such as illegal immigration and the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Following the election victory of far-right-leaning Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Italy, France's far-right RN has risen to become the second-largest party in the National Assembly. In last month's Portuguese general election, no party won a majority, giving the far-right party Chega the casting vote. In Germany, AfD's vote share is currently surpassing that of the three parties in the ruling coalition government.

Accordingly, the far-right political forces are expected to make gains in the upcoming European Parliament elections in June. According to various polls, the Identity and Democracy (ID) group, a far-right political group, is projected to secure the third-largest number of seats. ID, which includes far-right parties such as France's RN, advocates anti-EU and anti-immigration positions. However, major foreign media also suggest that if von der Leyen, a member of the EPP?the political group leading in poll support?succeeds in her re-election, compromises with these groups may become inevitable.

The current European Parliament's term ends later this month, and the elections will be held over four days from June 6 to 9. A total of 720 seats will be allocated proportionally according to the population of each member state. Additionally, parties from each country form political groups in the European Parliament based on their political orientations to conduct parliamentary activities.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.