politico.eu
Right-Wing Bloc Gains Influence in European Parliament Despite Lack of Unified Voting
One year after the 2024 EU election strengthened right-wing parties in the European Parliament, POLITICO's analysis reveals that while they rarely vote together, their cooperation leads to more wins, altering the Parliament's dynamics.
- What are the potential long-term implications of these shifting voting patterns?
- The increased success rate of right-wing alliances, even without consistent bloc voting, suggests a potential for future legislative changes influenced by their agenda. The S&D's concerns about the EPP utilizing far-right support to shape EU policy highlight a growing tension and the possibility of further realignment within the Parliament.
- How have voting patterns shifted among the major political groups in the European Parliament?
- The traditional centrist coalition (EPP, S&D, Renew) maintains a strong majority (88 percent of decisive votes), slightly down from the previous term (90 percent). However, the EPP's collaboration with the ECR against the S&D, while infrequent (6 percent of votes), has resulted in more successful outcomes this term, reflecting the right-wing's increased influence.
- What is the primary impact of the increased presence of right-wing parties in the European Parliament?
- The right-wing parties, despite infrequent unified voting, have achieved a higher win rate compared to the previous term. This is evidenced by the EPP and ECR winning 6 percent of final plenary votes where they opposed the S&D, a rate unchanged from the previous term, but yielding more wins this term.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view by showcasing different perspectives from various political groups within the European Parliament. While it highlights concerns raised by Socialist and liberal lawmakers regarding the EPP's alliances, it also includes counterarguments and perspectives from the EPP and ECR groups. The use of direct quotes from key figures adds further balance. However, the structure does prioritize the initial concerns about the EPP's alliances with right-wing factions, which could potentially frame the narrative in a slightly negative light for the EPP before presenting alternative viewpoints.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. Terms like "right-wing," "far-right," and "conservative" are used accurately to describe the political affiliations of the groups, but they are not presented with overtly negative connotations. The article avoids inflammatory language and uses quotes extensively to present diverse perspectives.
Bias by Omission
While the article provides a comprehensive overview of voting patterns, potential omissions include a detailed analysis of specific legislative bills that saw cross-party alliances and the broader political context of each vote. Given the complexity of EU politics and the vast number of votes, this omission is understandable due to space constraints.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights increased tensions and conflicts within the European Parliament due to the rise of right-wing forces. The shifting alliances and the use of far-right support to push through measures undermine the principles of effective and inclusive political institutions, impacting negatively on SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The quotes from Maltese EU lawmaker Alex Agius Saliba and others directly address this political instability and the resulting challenges to democratic governance.