What must be, must be. The European People’s Party (right, 186 seats out of 720, nine more than in 2019) and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (left, 137 seats, -4) came out on top in the European elections, which mobilized 51 percent of eligible voters (or around 183 million people) across the continent from June 6 to 9. The results also represent a clear defeat for the Greens/European Free Alliance (green, 53 seats, -18) and Renew Europe (liberals, 79 seats, -23).
The far-right groups, European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) and Identity and Democracy (ID), both made significant gains, taking 73 (+4) and 58 (+9) seats respectively. The final tally could rise further once the hundred or so non-affiliated elected representatives without groups have chosen their political family. While the centrist coalition may retain its majority, it is nonetheless weakened by the European Parliament’s shift to the right.
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It was France, Germany and Austria that made the headlines, thanks to strong performances from the far-right. It remains to be seen which coalition will emerge from this deeply divided Parliament, and how key EU posts will be allocated, notably the presidency of the European Commission. While favorite Ursula von der Leyen (EPP) is expected to be re-elected, the electoral debacle suffered by governments in France and Germany could complicate her re-election.
To mark this major political turning point, we present a selection of our favorite press cartoons published in recent days.
Click on a photo to launch the slideshow:
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