New European Parliament factions may form, potentially uniting right-wing and populist parties under Hungarian influence.
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Significant changes are anticipated in the European Parliament as new political alliances may form, potentially grouping radical far-right European parties or consolidating Central European populists, an idea reportedly originating with Viktor Orbán. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has indicated that Poland is considering leaving the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group to join a new parliamentary faction initiated by Orbán. Morawiecki stated that cooperation could occur on geographical rather than ideological grounds. The inclusion of Fidesz, which holds twenty MEP seats, would be a major step for this potential new bloc, which aims to oppose the political mainstream from a Central and Eastern European base. While there are rumors about Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša joining, he has stated they are negotiating with everyone. If PiS leaves the ECR, it would significantly impact Giorgia Meloni’s faction, currently the third largest. Morawiecki expressed that both staying in the ECR and forming a new group remain possibilities. Meanwhile, Czech leader Andrej Babis confirmed his ANO movement is creating a new faction to oppose migration and changes to the Green Deal after leaving the liberal Renew group, with strong ties suggested between Babis and Orbán. However, concerns remain regarding the ideological compatibility of these Central European populist parties.
