In a recent episode of CBC Weekly Talk, hosted by Anastasia Lavrina, Gary Cartwright, the publishing editor of EU Today, shared his insights on the 2024 European elections.
The discussion covered the implications of the election results, the rise of far-right parties, and the future of European political dynamics.
The 2024 European Parliament elections took place from 6th to 9th June. The European People’s Party (EPP), which includes Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, emerged victorious by a large margin.
However, the elections also marked a significant rise for far-right parties, particularly in France and Germany. President Emmanuel Macron of France responded to his party’s defeat by calling snap legislative elections, adding another layer of complexity to the European political scene.
Rise of Far-Right Parties
Discussing the unprecedented success of far-right parties, Cartwright noted, “There’s no surprise there with the result. They did indeed do very well across the board, but particularly in certain countries.” The far-right’s gains were most pronounced in Belgium, France, and Germany, reflecting a broader trend of public discontent and shifting political allegiances.
Implications for the European Parliament
Despite the far-right’s success, Cartwright suggested that it might not destabilize the European Parliament. He explained, “I don’t think the far right have sufficient numbers to really affect anything in terms of the work of the European Parliament. The European People’s Party remains the dominant political group, ensuring a degree of stability.”
Cartwright highlighted the European Parliament’s crucial role in signing off legislation, originating from the Council of Ministers and the European Commission. He asserted that the far-right’s influence might not significantly alter this process, maintaining institutional stability.
Ursula von der Leyen’s Leadership
When asked about Ursula von der Leyen’s future as the President of the European Commission, Cartwright was optimistic. He described von der Leyen as “a very safe pair of hands” and praised her steady leadership. Cartwright expressed interest in the upcoming composition of the new European Commission, particularly regarding whether any far-right candidates would be nominated by member states like Hungary.
President Macron’s Snap Elections
Macron’s decision to call snap elections was a major talking point. Cartwright remarked, “It looks like a little bit of panic has set in there. It was an extraordinary decision, and the polls suggest that Marine Le Pen’s party could actually win.” He noted the challenges that far-right parties might face in forming coalitions, given their typically territorial nature.
Voter Concerns and Political Shifts
Cartwright identified key issues driving voter behaviour in the elections: immigration, housing costs, unemployment, and crime. He observed, “The political elite has been forced to listen to the electorate, which politicians are not always so good at.” These issues, he argued, have been instrumental in the far-right’s rise, as they offer visible and straightforward explanations for public discontent.
Future of the European Parliament
Looking ahead, Cartwright emphasized the need for the European Parliament to maintain stability and avoid panicking in response to the far-right’s gains. He warned against censoring far-right politicians, stating, “These are elected politicians representing the voices of hundreds of thousands, possibly millions of voters. Freedom of speech must be absolute.”
Impact on EU Policy and Governance
The interview also touched on potential implications for EU policy and governance. Cartwright suggested that the rise of the far-right could prompt mainstream parties to reassess their policies and communication strategies. He stressed the importance of addressing voters’ real concerns to avoid further alienation and political fragmentation.
Cartwright also highlighted the potential impact on France’s domestic politics, predicting that mainstream parties might need to adapt to the changing political landscape. He noted that the broader European Union could see increased challenges in achieving consensus on both domestic and foreign policy issues, particularly with the far-right’s growing influence.
Conclusion
Gary Cartwright’s interview on CBC Weekly Talk provided a comprehensive analysis of the 2024 European Parliament elections, shedding light on the significant political shifts and their potential implications. The rise of far-right parties, the response of mainstream political groups, and the future role of the European Parliament were key themes in this insightful discussion.
For more in-depth analysis and updates on European politics, visit EU Today and follow CBC Weekly Talk.
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