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Political parties

European Parliament Shifts Rightward, Socialists Maintain Dominance

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The European Parliament has undergone a significant shift to the right, with Christian Democrat and conservative parties gaining ground at the expense of traditional socialist forces. Despite the strong performance of the Party of European Socialists (PES), which maintains its position as the largest bloc, the new parliament will be marked by increased fragmentation and a growing challenge to the socialist majority.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Party of European Socialists (PES) has maintained its dominance, increasing its representation from 198 to 200 MEPs, largely due to the success of Labour MEPs in the UK.
  • The Christian Democrat European People's Party (EPP) has won 148 seats, but may refuse to admit the 18 British Tory MEPs to its ranks due to their Euro-sceptical stance.
  • The EPP leaders may insist that the British government commit to introducing proportional representation for future European elections.
  • New conservative MEPs from France, Italy, and Spain are well to the right of traditional German and Benelux Christian Democrats, increasing tensions within the centre-right bloc.
  • MEPs will demand greater power over the Commission and the Council of Ministers, particularly in areas such as foreign, security, and policing policy.
  • Confrontation is likely between the Parliament and a Council of Ministers that reflects the rightward shift of national governments on social policy.

Statistics:

  • 567 MEPs will be elected to the European Parliament.
  • 200 MEPs will belong to the Party of European Socialists (PES), the largest bloc.
  • 148 MEPs will belong to the Christian Democrat European People's Party (EPP).
  • 18 British Tory MEPs may be excluded from the EPP due to their Euro-sceptical stance.
  • 2 new British Liberal MEPs will join the 44-strong European Democratic Liberal group.
  • 2 Scottish Nationalist MEPs will join the Rainbow group made up of regionalist parties.
  • The EPP may overtake the socialist group by admitting the French neo-Gaullists, Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia, and the Portuguese conservatives.

Sources:

  • John Palmer in Brussels
  • European Parliament
  • Party of European Socialists (PES)
  • Christian Democrat European People's Party (EPP)

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