Europe’s big election season is about to kick off. It could change everything
If far right nationalists gain power in four big countries simultaneously, we are in for a dramatic Trumpian tilt
TL;DR
- Electoral politics in Europe are largely national, contrasting with the need for European-level decision-making on economy and security.
- A snap election in Spain, following the blockage of a housing reform, could lead to a conservative/far-right government.
- France, Italy, Poland, and Spain are among key countries heading to the polls, with potential gains for far-right or nationalist populist parties.
- The rise of the far right in Europe is a continental trend, but not universally applied, with some countries seeing liberal or opposition comebacks.
- If several countries elect far-right governments, they could form a blocking minority within the EU, hindering integration.
- The replacement of moderate European leaders with more radical figures could lead to a significant erosion or even implosion of the EU project.
- The UK, through figures like Andy Burnham, is beginning to acknowledge the negative impact of Brexit and consider closer ties with the EU.
- Europe is at a critical juncture, risking the loss of its purpose and falling apart.