Europe's political shift: Embracing new realities

June 10, 2024 — The 2024 European Parliament elections have led to a significant shift in the political landscape, with far-right parties making notable gains across the continent. This shift has prompted urgent political reactions, particularly in France. President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance party suffered a substantial defeat, trailing more than 15% behind Jordan Bardella’s National Rally (RN).

In response to this outcome, Macron has called for early legislative elections, a bold move aimed at countering the growing influence of the far-right. His televised address on June 6th emphasized the gravity of the situation, comparing the current political climate to the pre-World War II era. Macron warned that a large far-right delegation in the European Parliament could bring Europe to a standstill, urging voters to turn out in significant numbers to prevent this scenario.

Macron’s call for new elections comes after a controversial and heavily criticized interview in which he pleaded with the French public to vote against the far-right. Opposition parties accused him of monopolizing media attention during the electoral campaign, which may lead to the media watchdog deducting the interview time from the Renaissance party’s allotted speaking time.

Macron’s government has faced internal challenges as well. During the election campaign, Macron's strategy of dramatizing the ideological fight with the far-right received mixed reactions from his allies. Some within his camp expressed doubts about focusing too much on the far-right, suggesting a more balanced approach that highlights the party's successes in areas like EU’s common agricultural policy and the Green Deal.

The rise of the far-right in Europe signals a significant shift in voter sentiment, with immigration, economic concerns, and security issues dominating the political discourse. Bardella’s RN has successfully framed these elections as a referendum on Macron’s presidency, leveraging public discontent over these issues to gain electoral support.

Macron’s declaration of new legislative elections marks a pivotal moment in European politics, reflecting the urgent need for centrist and liberal parties to reassess their strategies in the face of a resurgent far-right. 

The broader European context also reflects this rightward shift. The election results have impacted various national leaders, such as Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, who announced his resignation after his party's poor performance. Meanwhile, far-right leaders like Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and Hungary’s Viktor Orbán have solidified their positions within their respective countries, capitalizing on the electoral momentum.