Rishi Sunak admits he has failed on pledge to cut NHS waiting lists UK politics live
Kezia Dugdale, the former Scottish Labour leader, admitted to voting for the Scottish National Party (SNP) in the 2019 European elections as a protest against Brexit.
Dugdale's defection from Labour to the SNP in that election highlights the party's electoral humiliations and the ongoing divide over Scottish independence within the Labour party. [ more ]
Charles Michel: The Israeli government is doing everything possible to make it difficult for the Palestinians to have more authority, credibility and legitimacy'
Charles Michel expresses confidence in pro-European forces prevailing in the upcoming European elections despite warnings of extremism. [ more ]
Abstention and EU ignorance will test Portugal's European elections
Portugal had a record abstention rate of 68.6% in the 2019 European elections due to political dissatisfaction.
There is optimism for decreased abstention in the upcoming elections, with a focus on improving understanding and communication from European institutions. [ more ]
German defense hawk sets sights on EU job DW 03/12/2024
Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann is set to run as the lead candidate for the pan-European liberal party in the European parliamentary elections.
The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) members have confirmed their support for Strack-Zimmermann emphasizing her liberal commitment to the safety of Europe and support for Ukraine. [ more ]
Populist parties' divisions jeopardise chances of setting European agenda
Populist and nationalist parties in Europe are deeply divided on key issues, potentially hampering their ability to shape the EU agenda.
The report suggests that mainstream parties should focus on highlighting the weaknesses of Eurosceptic parties and present a compelling geopolitical case for the EU. [ more ]
OPINION: Will the 'French Keir Starmer' save the country from the far-right? I doubt it
French and British politics have had instances of partial alignment and divergence, with recent movements indicating variations in ideologies and candidates. [ more ]
New French PM seeks to send strong message on law and order
The new French prime minister, Gabriel Attal, visited a police station on his first day in office and promised to deliver security to the French people.
Attal aims to counter the rise of Marine Le Pen's far-right party by appealing to voters who have turned to the far right or abstained from elections. [ more ]
The Debate - Succession? Macron picks Gabriel Attal as youngest French prime minister
France's youngest-ever president, Emmanuel Macron, has named Gabriel Attal, the country's youngest-ever prime minister.
Attal has held various political roles and is seen as charismatic, but the prime minister position in France does not carry as much power as in other European countries. [ more ]
PODCAST: Explaining Paris syndrome and how the EU elections will impact France
Exploring the impact of European elections in France, rural zoning changes, wildfire property regulations, and Paris Syndrome on Talking France podcast. [ more ]
The Guardian view on Macron, Scholz and Europe's future: a question of ambition | Editorial
The rise of nationalist, populist, and Eurosceptic parties is a defining phenomenon in European politics. Macron advocates for a stronger EU to combat illiberal extremism. [ more ]
Far right seeks to exploit EU economic woes to win big in EU election
Soaring food costs, economic stagnation, and deteriorating living standards risk fueling support for far-right parties in European elections.
The rise in populist forces is correlated with economic and financial crises, as the far right exploits feelings of impoverishment and pessimism among voters. [ more ]
Which crisis tribe' do you belong to? These five factions will define Europe in 2024 | Ivan Krastev and Mark Leonard
Far-right parties have shifted their tactics and are now focused on remaking and governing the EU rather than leaving it.
Europe is facing multiple crises, including migration, financial, climate, health, and security crises, which have led to a sense of existential threat for many Europeans. [ more ]
I'm a brown, Muslim European. For people like me, these EU elections are terrifying | Shada Islam
A European, brown, and Muslim individual expresses fear and disillusionment with the rise of racist, xenophobic, and Islamophobic politicians in the EU, impacting minorities' mental health and daily lives. [ more ]
How will the French far-right affect Europe if they win the election?
The French far-right Rassemblement National is expected to win the European elections, potentially reshaping EU politics by weakening pro-EU forces. [ more ]
EU candidates to answer public questions on live debate
The European Broadcasting Union is organizing a live debate with five prominent candidates for the European Commission presidency to discuss key issues such as climate, migration, and security. [ more ]
German Reichsbuerger' coup plotters go on trial: Is democracy at stake?
The Reichsbuerger movement's extremist plot to overthrow the German government raises concerns about growing extremism in Europe and highlights the potential threat of radical ideologies gaining influence. [ more ]
Peter Casey accused of 'stoking division' with election posters outside International Protection Office
A businessman running as an Independent candidate for European Elections faces backlash for placing election posters at a controversial site, criticized for engaging in divisive politics. [ more ]
Former presidential candidate and businessman Peter Casey to contest EU elections for Midlands-North West
Mr. Casey is contesting a seat in the June European Elections, expressing concerns about Ireland's open border policy, asylum and migration pact, housing crisis, and issues with mica and deflective blocks. [ more ]
Slovak leader in serious but stable condition after assassination try, hospital says
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot multiple times in an assassination attempt with suspected political motivation, causing concern over his pro-Russian, anti-Western policies. [ more ]
Germany: 'DAVA' party woos voters with Turkish roots DW 02/07/2024
Germany's new party, Democratic Alliance for Diversity and Awakening (DAVA), has been accused of being a mouthpiece for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
DAVA's four candidates have ties to Turkey's governing party and organizations with close relations to Ankara. [ more ]
Ursula von der Leyen is now a household name and that could be Europe's salvation | Catherine De Vries and Isabell Hoffmann
Public awareness of Ursula von der Leyen's role as European Commission president is at an all-time high, indicating a shift towards greater recognition of EU leadership. [ more ]
Liberals aim to influence EU election debate from the center DW 03/30/2024
Renew Europe group played a significant role in elevating Ursula von der Leyen to the post of European Commission President in 2019.
Renew Europe, represented by influential figures like Emmanuel Macron and Margrethe Vestager, could determine if von der Leyen retains her position after the upcoming European elections. [ more ]
Italian PM Meloni to stand in EU Parliament elections
Brothers of Italy party led by Meloni won Italian elections and aims to replicate success in European elections, focusing on uniting Europe's conservatives. [ more ]
EU Parliament approves final set of environmental regulations amid far-right threats to revoke green laws
The Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) was the last regulation approved by MEPs before the European elections, reflecting the challenge of balancing European competitiveness and green transition. [ more ]
Italian antifascist could be released from Hungary jail due to EU election candidacy
Ilaria Salis, an antifascist activist imprisoned in Hungary, accepted a European Parliament candidacy, potentially granting her immunity and freedom. [ more ]
French security experts identify Moscow-based disinformation network
French experts have identified a Moscow-based network spreading propaganda and disinformation in western Europe.
The network, named Portal Kombat, includes at least 193 sites disseminating pro-Russian propaganda and targeting those propagating conspiracy theories. [ more ]
Right-wing parties forecast for gains in 2024 EU elections DW 01/25/2024
The upcoming European elections in June are expected to see a 'sharp turn to the right' in the European Parliament, with radical right movements gaining ground.
A populist right coalition could emerge with a majority for the first time, reflecting a decline in support for mainstream parties and growing support for extremist and smaller parties. [ more ]
Row over education minister sparks crisis in France's new government
France's new education minister is facing calls to resign after accusations that she lied about the reason for enrolling her children in a private school.
The controversy threatens to undermine President Macron's government before the European elections in June. [ more ]