Factbox: Seven Political Groups Competing in European Parliament Election

European Union voters are gearing up to elect 720 lawmakers to the European Parliament on June 6-9, with expectations of a shift to the right. The current three-group majority of the centre-right European People’s Party, centre-left Socialists and Democrats, and liberals of Renew Europe have been steering EU policy for the past five years. However, the upcoming election could bring changes to this dynamic.

The centre-right group, dominated by German Christian Democrats, has been the largest in the European Parliament and has worked closely with the socialists and liberals. But as the election approaches, they have shown more skepticism towards the green push, signaling a potential shift in priorities.

The centre-left group, led by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s Socialist Workers Party, has faced challenges, including the Qatargate cash-for-lobbying scandal. Their focus remains on fighting unemployment and promoting social equality.

French President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance party leads the liberal group, emphasizing their pro-European stance. However, they are expected to face tough competition from Marine Le Pen’s far-right Rassemblement National in the election.

Other groups, such as the Greens/European Free Alliance, the Left, European Conservatives and Reformists, and Identity and Democracy, are also vying for seats in the European Parliament. With various priorities and ideologies at play, the upcoming election is poised to shape the future direction of EU policy and governance.