Fragmentation looms for EU’s radical right as parties negotiate new alliances
The radical right wing of the European Union is facing a period of potential fragmentation as various parties negotiate new group formations in Brussels. Following recent elections, right-wing forces have gained traction across several EU countries, setting the stage for significant political shifts within the European Parliament.
Current right-wing factions
The ECR, which includes Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy (FdI), has strengthened its position, becoming the third largest political force in the European Parliament with 83 MEPs. However, internal divisions are apparent. A key meeting was postponed due to insufficient attendance by members of Poland’s Law and Justice (PiS), the second largest party in the group, indicating possible discord regarding the group’s future direction.
The ID faction has expressed openness to the formation of a hard-right ‘supergroup’ that could merge with the ECR to amplify their political influence in Brussels. The possibility of creating a larger, more unified right-wing bloc could reshape the parliamentary landscape, but such a merger faces significant challenges.
Emerging right-wing formations
One notable development is the push by Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) to form a new parliamentary group called “The Sovereignists.” This group could include Poland’s Konfederacja, Spain’s The Party’s Over, and Romania’s SOS, among others. These parties, along with potential allies from Slovakia, Greece, and Hungary, aim to meet the threshold of 23 lawmakers from at least seven EU member states to form a new group.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is also exploring the formation of a nationalist, populist group. This could potentially include Orbán’s Fidesz, Slovakia’s Smer party, and the Czech ANO party. Orbán’s efforts come in the wake of Fidesz’s strained relations with both ID and ECR, partly due to conflicting views on other member parties within these groups.
Factors Influencing Fragmentation
One of the key issues driving potential fragmentation among EU right-wing parties is their stance on the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia. Parties that wish to distance themselves from historic Russian ties and align more closely with the political mainstream are hesitant to join forces with those sympathetic to Putin.
Despite these divisions, right-wing parties share common ground on several issues, including a hard-line stance on migration, skepticism towards Green policies, and opposition to further EU integration. These shared views could lead to cooperation on specific legislative matters, even if the parties remain divided into separate factions.
The right-wing landscape in the European Parliament is poised for significant changes as parties negotiate new alliances and formations. The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether the radical right emerges more fragmented or finds a way to consolidate its power. The interplay of internal divisions, policy alignments, and strategic alliances will shape the future of Europe’s right-wing politics.
