This year's European Parliament elections highlight a Europe shifting sharply to the right. Over the past five years, mainstream parties across many European nations have seen dwindling support, while far-right parties have steadily gained traction.
The surge in populism has deepened the polarization within the European party system, both at the EU and member state levels. This division complicates the ability of EU countries to address complex challenges effectively. Additionally, incidents of political violence are on the rise, reflecting the heightened tensions.
Political polarization in Europe mirrors a global trend, primarily driven by a growing disconnect between EU elites and the general public. Several factors contribute to this gap:
- EU Policy-Making Crisis: The EU operates as an economically integrated community managed by technocrats rather than a politically unified entity governed by democratic principles. Since the onset of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, European elite politicians have focused on value conflicts, overlooking the influence of global capital on everyday lives.
- Lack of Legitimacy: Unlike member states with transparent democratic processes, the EU's legitimacy is undermined by its opaque decision-making. Major EU policies are often shaped behind closed doors through negotiations among member state governments, leading to low public trust and a perceived absence of rational dialogue mechanisms.
- External Crises Impacting Public Opinion: Europe grapples with numerous challenges, including the economic fallout from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and the geopolitical tensions of the Israeli-Palestinian situation. The influx of refugees has overwhelmed many countries, fueling anti-immigrant sentiments. Moreover, environmental policies advocated by parties like the European Green Party have sparked fears of deindustrialization, affecting economies and livelihoods and fostering public discontent.
- Ideological Shifts Among Political Parties: Since the European debt crisis, traditional mainstream parties have moved towards the political center, narrowing the ideological differences between center-left and center-right factions. The long-standing grand coalition government in Germany, led by the Union parties and the Social Democratic Party, has blurred the lines between political choices, creating opportunities for radical right-wing and left-wing parties to gain support.
The culmination of these factors has led to a polarized European Union and its member states, characterized by a stark divide between radical politics and mainstream governance. As Europe approaches the elections, addressing this polarization is crucial for fostering unity and effective policymaking.
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Political polarization reveals the gap between EU elites & the public
cgtn.com
