Conservative forces are poised to dominate the upcoming European elections, according to the latest Euronews Super Poll from the Euronews Polls Centre. Parties from the center-right, ultraconservative, and far-right spectrums are leading the polls in major EU countries, signaling a potential shift to the political right in the European Commission.
The European People’s Party (EPP) is expected to maintain its relative majority in the European Parliament, while far-right and ultra-conservative forces are also projected to make significant gains. Leaders such as Marine Le Pen in France, Giorgia Meloni in Italy, and Geert Wilders in the Netherlands are all on track for victory in their respective countries.
However, the conservative camp is not without its challenges. The EPP, ECR, and ID members are divided on key issues such as European federalism, social policies, and EU leadership. The potential for a center-right plus right coalition to form is uncertain due to differing principles and strategies among the various factions.
Despite the conservative surge in the polls, questions remain about the future direction of the European Commission. National governments have the final say on the appointment of the Commission president, and with liberal and social democratic governments in France, Germany, and Spain, the path to a conservative-led Commission may face obstacles.
As the political landscape in Europe continues to evolve, the outcome of the elections and subsequent negotiations will shape the future of the European Union. With the rise of far-right parties and the potential for new alliances to form, the next head of the European Commission will likely face a complex and challenging political environment.