European Elections’ Aftermath
Following the European elections in June 2024, it became clear that right-wing parties had significantly increased their electoral share across much of the EU. The most striking result came from France, where Marine Le Pen’s National Rally secured the top position with 31.4% of the vote. However, her party was unable to win the subsequent legislative elections due to a coalition of center-left and left-wing parties under the New Popular Front. France was not the only country where the right-wing gained ground. In Germany, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) came in second in the European elections and even claimed first place in the Thuringian state election, in September. In Greece also, three different right-wing parties managed to elect MEPs, together garnering around 20% of the vote. The aftermath of these elections has a profound impact on the composition of the European Parliament. Currently, there are three right-wing to far-right political groups in the Parliament: the European Conservatives and Reformists Group, as well as the two newly established groups, Europe of Sovereign Nations and Patriots for Europe. Combined, these groups hold 189 out of 720 MEPs, making up 26% of the European Parliament.
Inability of Current Political Forces to Serve as an Effective Barrier
The European People’s Party and the Social Democrats, as also their national affiliated parties, are facing many difficulties to effectively counter the rise of right- wing parties in Europe for several reasons. Both parties have been criticized for failing to address key concerns of voters, such as migration, economic inequality and national sovereignty, which are often exploited by right-wing parties. The EPP, although center-right, has sometimes been seen as accommodating right-wing populist rhetoric, particularly in countries like Hungary, where Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party has shifted towards nationalism. On the other hand, the Social Democrats have struggled to engage disillusioned working-class voters who feel marginalized by the existing political landscape This disconnect has opened the door for right-wing parties, which capitalize on these feelings of insecurity and dissatisfaction.
Finally, one other political force, who could function as a barrier to the rise of the right-wing, but itself is facing challenges is the left. A number of studies suggest that both left-wing and right-wing parties can sometimes attract the same voter groups, as many far-right party supporters are driven more by frustration with the mainstream political establishment than by strong ideological convictions. Yet, the left’s internal divisions make it harder to win over these disillusioned voters. Even though left-wing parties in France have had some successes, the outlook remains bleak. The fragmentation of the European Left began in 2018 and culminated in the creation of the European Left Alliance for the Planet and the People in September 2024. However, similar fractures have occurred at the national level, with Germany being a recent example. This division is highlighted by Sahra Wagenknecht’s recent departure from Die Linke to form her own party, which advocates stricter migration policies and has seen considerable electoral success, underscoring the difficulties left-wing parties in Europe face in maintaining unity.
Federalism as the response to oppose right-wing’s increase
The inability of traditional political forces, both at the EU and national levels, to effectively counter the electoral rise of right-wing parties has become increasingly evident. Consequently, there is a pressing need for innovative solutions. Federal reforms fundamentally oppose the goals of right-wing and far-right parties, which advocate for restrictive immigration policies, closed economies, and a heightened sense of national identity. In contrast, European federalists aim to establish a “European Federation endowed with supranational institutions with limited but real sovereign powers.” The Spinelli Group, the network of federalist-minded Members of the European Parliament, has significant potential to advance this agenda. Its manifesto explicitly opposes nationalism and intergovernmentalism, advocating for a shared European destiny through a constitutional government and a European Parliament with expanded authority. The total opposition between the federalist ideas and the right-wing ideas is expressed by the membership of the Spinelli Group. It includes MEPs from all major political factions—EPP, S&D, Renew Europe, Greens, and the Left—across both the previous parliamentary term (2019-2024) and the current term (2024-2029), excluding the three right-wing groups.
Therefore, effective opposition to right-wing rhetoric can emerge within the European Parliament by the Spinelli Group. Its diverse composition reflects a commitment to promoting federalist principles across party lines. To strengthen its influence, the first step should involve expanding the Spinelli Group’s membership. Currently, there are 64 MEPs in the Spinelli Group. Following this, fostering coordination on issues where party lines are more flexible could facilitate the promotion of initiatives and establish a unified stance on Commission proposals. Such proposals are likely to challenge the right-wing agenda and align more closely with the progressive values inherent in federalist ideas. The most recent past president and currently board member, Sandro Gozi, has actively shown his commitment to a closer European Union without electoral borders, notably by running in the 2019 European elections in France, despite being Italian. During this time, he also served as the Head of European Affairs for the French government under Prime Minister Édouard Philippe.
In summary, European federalists have historically faced significant challenges in influencing European politics, often lacking the opportunity to demonstrate their impact. However, given the current political landscape, where many traditional parties are struggling to respond effectively, this may be an opportune moment for federalists and the Spinelli Group to gain recognition and trust. As conventional strategies falter, federalism emerges as a promising response to the rise of right wing populism. By promoting shared European governance and transcending nationalistic sentiments, federalist initiatives, particularly those championed by the Spinelli Group, have the potential to unite diverse political factions against the right-wing agenda.
Ultimately, a commitment to federalism may not only counter the rise of populism but also reinforce democratic values across Europe.
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