Developments in the EU: Two new national-populist groups are emerging

Tuesday, Jul 2, 2024

Two new national populist groups are forming in the European Parliament, led by figures like Orbán and Babiš.

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[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

Two new national populist groups are forming in European politics: one led by Babiš’s ANO and Orbán’s Fidesz, named “Patriots for Europe,” and another centered around Germany’s AfD, potentially called “Sovereignists” or “Europe of Sovereign Nations.” The first group aims to prioritize sovereignty, combating illegal migration, and revising the Green Deal. Both new formations require a minimum of 23 MEP seats from at least seven member states. Babiš’s group is reportedly gaining members like Chega, with speculation involving Italian and French far-right parties that could dissolve the existing “Identity and Democracy” group. The AfD-led group is expected to be highly radical, featuring extreme nationalism, anti-vaccine sentiment, and territorial claims by some members, leading observers to nickname it “Hooligans.” Key political developments also include the uncertain future of Polish Law and Justice within its current ECR grouping and where Slovak parties like Hlas and Smer will align.


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