EU elections: Far right makes gains in Germany, France – DW – 06/10/2024

The center-right European People’s Party (EPP), is to remain the largest party in the European Parliament, according to an initial
forecast, with all polls closed on Sunday.

The center-right grouping of European political parties, the European People’s Party (EPP), is to remain the largest party in the European Parliament, according to the latest projections released by Brussels following a 4-day EU-wide election.

The EPP could secure 189 seats in the 720-seat parliament, while the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) in second place could pick up 135 seats.

The result, if confirmed, will boost Ursula von der Leyen’s chance of securing a second term as president of the European Commission, the bloc’s executive arm.

“Today is a good day for the EPP,” von der Leyen said. “We have won the European elections, my friends,” she added.

Renew Europe, the liberal, pro-European group is projected to win 83 seats and the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) could receive 72 seats.

The right-wing populist and euroskeptic Identity and Democracy Party (ID) is on course for around 58 seats, followed by 53 for the environmentally friendly Greens.

The Left grouping is projected to win 35 seats, and non-attached parties, which includes the far-right Alternative for Germany, could pick up 45 seats.

The remaining 50 seats are forecast to go to independents and newly elected parties.