The prevailing views and policies of the European Union institutions are reflective of public sentiment at both national and EU political forums. The electoral stakes in 2021 are notably high, particularly for the 720 seats in the European Parliament vis-à-vis the 27 EU member states. There is a visible trend towards more hardline right-wing parties, which will potentially affect interparty relationships within the parliament. This dynamic will undoubtedly sway negotiations in crucial areas such as climate change and immigration policy.
Various indicators hint at alterations in relations between centrist and right-wing factions within the parliament ahead of the votes in the ensuing weekend. A longstanding pact among social democrats, Christian democrats, and liberals to not negotiate with hardline and extreme right-wing parties is facing significant strain. This follows the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen’s outreach to Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni with the goal of securing future support. Meloni’s party, Brothers of Italy – a member of the historically non-centrist European Conservatives and Reformist (ECR) group – is now looking to create a robust right-leaning coalition capable of leading the EU.
Von der Leyen’s effort, however, is marred by French National Rally leader Marine Le Pen’s bid for Meloni’s support. Despite the proposition remaining unreciprocated by Meloni, it’s uncertain if the parties and groups will reorganise after the election. These groups, possessing neo-fascist origins, are gaining increased backing from disgruntled voters unimpressed with current policy offerings. These voters aren’t wholly convinced that the centrist parties’ plans for enhanced sovereignty, fiscal policy, and foreign and defence policies at EU level would serve their interests.
The centrist bloc is consequently confronted with an imperative strategic decision. Maintaining their current stance of shunning emerging right-wing factions may prove untenable, especially with the new Dutch coalition – the seventh EU government to incorporate these factions – and polling forecasts of these factions significantly increasing representation in the European Parliament. Achieving a governing majority necessitates securing at least 361 seats, which von der Leyen is committed to achieving. Despite the growing agreement among centrists that the EU must evolve and bolster its collective prowess, these blocs have been unsuccessful in delivering updated programmes capable of garnering wider popular support.
A parent of a student preparing for the Leaving Cert, highlighted the current pressure by sharing, someone merely unwrapping a packet of crisps in the kitchen caused a stir as it was considered too noisy for the student studying for exams.
Comparing the US to Ireland, it is noticed that in America, dealings are substantially transactional. On the contrary, Irish folks are pleasant and acknowledge aspects beyond wealth.
These contrasted experiences may affect the regulation-making of the European Union in the future. The uncertainty is likely to persist post voting until all political negotiations come to an end. The traditional balance involving national, geographic, policy, and gender interests now confront a novel challenge from the right-wing. This implies a threat to the long-standing order within the EU.