Key EU Parliament Election Races to Keep an Eye On

**EU Elections: A Test of Populism, Challenges, and New Political Dynamics**

BRUSSELS — As the European Union gears up for a pivotal round of parliamentary elections, the political landscape across its 27 member states is as diverse and complex as ever. With voters casting ballots in over two dozen languages, the elections are a testament to the EU’s vast cultural and political diversity. Among the key narratives is the anticipated extension of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s nearly 15-year reign, despite facing stiff competition from a former ally turned critic.

Orbán’s Fidesz party, known for its right-wing populist stance, has historically dominated the EU elections in Hungary, securing more than 50% of the vote in the past three contests. However, a new opposition force, Respect and Freedom (TISZA), led by Péter Magyar, a 43-year-old lawyer with close ties to the country’s political elite, has emerged as a significant challenger. Magyar’s accusations of corruption and mismanagement within Orbán’s government have resonated with many, positioning TISZA as a centrist alternative to Fidesz’s illiberal populism.

In Italy, Premier Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, with its neo-fascist roots, is expected to make significant gains, potentially altering the balance of power within the EU Parliament. Meloni’s pro-Ukraine and Israel policies have endeared her to centrist allies, even as she navigates culture wars at home to maintain her far-right base.

France’s political scene is equally fraught, with the National Rally party, led by Jordan Bardella, poised to challenge President Emmanuel Macron’s moderate pro-business party. Bardella’s platform, which includes limiting the free movement of migrants and dialing back EU climate rules, reflects a broader European trend of populist movements seeking to reshape the union from within.

Germany, Slovakia, and other member states are also witnessing their own unique electoral battles, with issues ranging from economic policy to national security taking center stage. In Slovakia, the recent assassination attempt on populist Prime Minister Robert Fico has added an unpredictable element to the elections, potentially boosting turnout and support for his leftist Smer party.

As the EU braces for the outcomes of these elections, the results are expected to have far-reaching implications for the future of the union. With populism, economic crises, and geopolitical tensions at the forefront, the elections are not just a test for individual parties or politicians but for the very idea of European unity and cooperation.