Europe’s Rightward Shift: A New Era in the European Parliament

The European Parliament has taken a decisive turn to the right, reshaping its future trajectory.

In the recent elections, concluded on June 9, 2024, the right-wing and center-right factions now command 56% of the seats—a notable increase from their previous share.

The European People’s Party, aligned with Ursula von der Leyen, bolstered its presence with 189 seats, leading the pack.

This shift isn’t just numerical; it has real implications. The surge of right-leaning groups like Identity and Democracy, and the European Conservatives and Reformists, indicates a broader ideological pivot within the EU.

Such a transformation is a clear setback for the French and German governments, traditionally dominated by more centrist or left-leaning parties.

Reacting to these developments, French President Emmanuel Macron dissolved the French Parliament, calling for new elections in a dramatic move.

Similarly, Belgium’s Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, resigned, signaling political turbulence ahead.

This election isn’t an isolated incident but part of a trend where European nations like Greece, Spain, and Hungary have seen right or center-right parties gain ground.

This realignment suggests a continental drift toward policies that may prioritize national interests, stricter immigration controls, and possibly a reevaluation of EU-wide initiatives.

The fallout is significant. Macron’s Renew Europe group lost seats, dwindling from 102 to 93, while the left’s representation also shrank.

This reconfiguration within the Parliament points to potential shifts in legislative priorities, including economic policies and social issues.

Moreover, new members without a fixed group affiliation suggest that the right-wing bloc could expand further, influencing future EU legislation and policy direction.

The European Parliament’s adaptation will reshape the EU’s strategies on economics, foreign relations, and climate.

This rightward shift does more than alter politics—it potentially redefines the EU’s global role, emphasizing the rising impact of nationalist and conservative agendas on Europe’s future.

Europe’s Rightward Shift: A New Era in the European Parliament

• Greece – New Democracy (Center-Right);
• Bulgaria – GERB (Right);
• Spain – PP (Center-Right);
• Hungary – FIDESZ (Right);
• Finland – KOK (Right);
• Croatia – HDZ (Right);
• France – RN (Right);
• Austria – FPO (Right);
• Germany – CDU (Center-Right).

Understand the Groups of the European Parliament

European People’s Party – remains the largest group in the European Parliament, with a significant base of German, Polish, and Romanian members.

In the last five years, it closely collaborated with the socialists and the liberal Renew Europe group.

Angela Merkel, the former German Chancellor, is one of the key figures associated with the group.

Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats – is the second largest group in the EU Legislative Power.

Strongly represented by the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s Workers’ Socialist Party, the group emphasizes fighting unemployment and promoting more equitable societies.

Renew Europe – led by French President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance party, is the third largest. However, it has weakened: it had 102 parliamentarians this term.

The outcome reflects the rise of deputies supported by Marine Le Pen.

Greens Group – currently has 72 seats in the EU Legislative Power. In the 2019 European Parliament elections, the group was strengthened by the climate protests of 2019. Now, it has lost seats.

European United Left – focused on labor rights, economic justice, and equality. It faces uncertainties due to a new split in the German left, led by the former co-chair of Die Linke, Sahra Wagenknecht.

European Conservatives and Reformists – promises a firm stance on migration and openness to more cooperation within the EU.

It gained seats in a result that demonstrates the strength of Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni.

Identity and Democracy – will grow in the EU Legislative Power. Controversies surround it due to the expulsion of deputies linked to the German right-wing party, the AfD, accused of neo-Nazism.

Despite criticism, it retains influence amid increasing voter dissatisfaction due to rising energy and living costs in Germany.