The Euronews Polls Centre has indicated that young voters could play a significant role in raising the voter turnout in France and Germany for the upcoming elections. With over 350 million eligible voters, the turnout in the last election was just over 50 percent, the highest since 1994.
The abstention rate is closely monitored as it reflects the level of apathy and disenchantment with EU politics. If the rate falls below 50 percent this year, it would be a blow to the EU and its supporters. Analysts believe that the approach to abstentionism will vary across different countries based on the current issues at stake.
In Germany, a recent shift in voting laws has allowed 16-year-olds to vote, expanding the pool of potential voters by 1.5 million. This change could impact the election results as younger voters have shown a tendency to support right-wing parties. Similarly, in France, the youth vote could sway the election towards far-right parties.
The upcoming elections are expected to be highly contested, with populist and far-right parties gaining momentum across Europe. Observers predict that the turnout in countries like Italy, Hungary, and Greece may be lower compared to national elections. However, the outcome of the elections could have significant implications for the future of the EU and its policies.