European Elections Shift Right as Far-Right Gains Momentum

Germany:

Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government experienced a setback in the recent European elections, retaining 13.9% of the vote. The conservative CDU emerged as the largest party with 30%. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) claimed 15.9%, emphasizing a return to Russian energy and reduced military involvement in Ukraine.

Italy:

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni saw her party, Brothers of Italy, increase their share to 29%. The opposition centre-left Democratic Party secured 24%, its best result since 2014. Smaller coalition parties, including Forza Italia, performed moderately.

Netherlands:

Green-Left parties dominated, while the far-right Freedom Party, led by Geert Wilders, made notable gains. The Pro-EU Volt party celebrated its electoral success, gaining two MEPs.

Hungary:

Viktor Orban’s Fidesz maintained dominance with 44% of the vote. The newly formed Tisza party, led by Peter Magyar, became the main opposition with 30%, securing 7 MEPs.

Austria:

The far-right Freedom Party declared a “new era” after significant electoral gains, promising to change the political landscape.