WITH voting having already taken place in the UK and
Netherlands and set to continue across Europe until Sunday there is already
growing concern that the balance of power will shift to the right.
In Britain the anti-Europe United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) looks almost certain to take the majority of seats. Meanwhile in the Netherlands the far right Freedom Party (PVV) is so certain of victory that leader Geert Wilders is already acting as though his party has won.
Both parties have campaigned on a strong anti immigrant platform playing to the fears of an electorate still recovering from the financial crisis which rocked the world. Claims that immigration has harmed local nationals chances of finding work have played well with many in their respective countries.
In France the National Front Party proclaim “Yes to France, No to Brussels”, while in Hungary the Jobbik party achieved 20 per cent of the vote in April’s parliamentary elections, despite battling accusations of anti-semitism and racism against the ethnic Roma population.
In Britain UKIP’s lead in the EU elections doesn’t necessarily translate into either the local or general elections according to the most recent polling data. It is in Europe that it poses the most serious threat though. A European Parliament controlled by the far right, as seems increasingly likely, is not a parliament which is likely to look favourably on unified interests.
The swing to the right has been partially influenced by high unemployment across Europe and a scapegoat approach by the far right. It is more likely, however, that apathy in the system amongst voters will lead to their victory. Parties, such a UKIP, PVV, Greece’s Golden Dawn et al, have mobilised their voters through impressive rants and strong slogans. A carefully oiled campaign has all but ensured their success over more centrist main stream parties, which have relied on explaining policies and presenting a professional political demeanour.
Behind their smiles and rousing speeches though these parties share a commonality, a lack of sustainable policies. Other than blaming Europe and immigrants for the woes of their respective countries there has been very little substance shown in any arguments. While this may shatter the chances of the far right against more experienced parties across Europe in internal elections it may be just what the voters are looking for in the EU ones.
Many have seen the elections as a form of protest to demonstrate their feelings ahead of parliamentary elections. What they may not be aware of is that according to the Lisbon Treaty the results of the election must be taken into account when picking the next EU President. With the EU Parliament likely to swing to the right the future of Europe those voters who were so keen to leave may not be as free and fair as they have been promised.
In Britain the anti-Europe United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) looks almost certain to take the majority of seats. Meanwhile in the Netherlands the far right Freedom Party (PVV) is so certain of victory that leader Geert Wilders is already acting as though his party has won.
Both parties have campaigned on a strong anti immigrant platform playing to the fears of an electorate still recovering from the financial crisis which rocked the world. Claims that immigration has harmed local nationals chances of finding work have played well with many in their respective countries.
In France the National Front Party proclaim “Yes to France, No to Brussels”, while in Hungary the Jobbik party achieved 20 per cent of the vote in April’s parliamentary elections, despite battling accusations of anti-semitism and racism against the ethnic Roma population.
In Britain UKIP’s lead in the EU elections doesn’t necessarily translate into either the local or general elections according to the most recent polling data. It is in Europe that it poses the most serious threat though. A European Parliament controlled by the far right, as seems increasingly likely, is not a parliament which is likely to look favourably on unified interests.
The swing to the right has been partially influenced by high unemployment across Europe and a scapegoat approach by the far right. It is more likely, however, that apathy in the system amongst voters will lead to their victory. Parties, such a UKIP, PVV, Greece’s Golden Dawn et al, have mobilised their voters through impressive rants and strong slogans. A carefully oiled campaign has all but ensured their success over more centrist main stream parties, which have relied on explaining policies and presenting a professional political demeanour.
Behind their smiles and rousing speeches though these parties share a commonality, a lack of sustainable policies. Other than blaming Europe and immigrants for the woes of their respective countries there has been very little substance shown in any arguments. While this may shatter the chances of the far right against more experienced parties across Europe in internal elections it may be just what the voters are looking for in the EU ones.
Many have seen the elections as a form of protest to demonstrate their feelings ahead of parliamentary elections. What they may not be aware of is that according to the Lisbon Treaty the results of the election must be taken into account when picking the next EU President. With the EU Parliament likely to swing to the right the future of Europe those voters who were so keen to leave may not be as free and fair as they have been promised.
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