The far-right’s surge in the European Parliament elections has left a bitter taste in the mouths of leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz, raising questions about the future direction of the bloc. While center-left parties still hold a majority, the gains made by euro-skeptic nationalists within the European Parliament may hinder legislation addressing key issues like climate change and security. The path forward remains uncertain as these parties work to overcome internal divisions and form alliances. Despite the setback, the European People’s Party (EPP) remains the largest political family in the legislature, providing some stability amidst the political storm.
Results for: European Parliament Elections
Major events and developments across India and internationally on June 9, 2024, include:
1. Narendra Modi to take oath as Prime Minister of India for the third term.
2. Sikkim Krantikari Morcha chief Prem Singh Tamang to be sworn in as Chief Minister for the second term.
3. Farmer unions to march in support of CISF constable suspended for slapping Kangana Ranaut.
4. JEE Advanced Result 2024 expected to be released.
5. European Parliament elections conclude, with 450 million EU citizens casting their votes.
6. India to face Pakistan in ICC T20 World Cup qualifier.
In recognition of the European Parliament elections held in Italy, Latvia, Slovakia, and Malta on June 8, Google released two Doodles featuring a ballot box adorned with the EU flag. The flag symbolizes unity, solidarity, and harmony among European nations. The elections began on June 6 and will continue until June 9, with most EU countries casting their votes on Sunday, June 9. The European Parliament plays a significant role in governing the EU, collaborating with member state governments on laws that impact policies and the EU market.
Ahead of the upcoming European Parliament elections, the European Culture Foundation, Culture Action Europe, and Europa Nostra have issued an urgent plea to political groups to embrace culture as a crucial issue. The #CulturalDealEU (CDEU) initiative emphasizes the profound importance of culture in fostering European unity, promoting shared values, and driving economic and social progress. The open letter highlights the alarming challenges facing European unity, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the rise of populist and extremist parties that threaten democratic foundations.
French President Emmanuel Macron is preparing to address the European Parliament with a speech outlining his vision for a more assertive European Union. The speech comes ahead of pivotal European Parliament elections in June and is expected to focus on strategic and geopolitical issues facing Europe, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Macron is expected to prioritize discussions on Russia’s war in Ukraine and advocate for European solidarity with the country. He is also likely to rally support for his centrist Renaissance party ahead of the elections.
French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver a speech on Thursday, outlining his vision for a more assertive Europe in the face of Russia’s war in Ukraine, security concerns, and economic challenges. The speech, ahead of pivotal European Parliament elections in June, will focus on strategic and geopolitical issues, including defense, the economy, environmental protection, and safeguarding democracy.
France has called on social media platforms to heighten their vigilance against online disinformation in the lead-up to the European Parliament elections in June. Minister for Europe Jean-Noel Barrot expressed concerns about potential voter abstention and foreign interference, particularly from Russia, and urged the European Commission to assist in holding platforms accountable. The government has launched a media campaign to encourage voter turnout, while a new agency, VIGINUM, has been established to detect disinformation.
Maximilian Krah, a prominent German far-right lawmaker, has announced he will dismiss his assistant, Jian Guo, who was apprehended on allegations of working for a Chinese intelligence service. Guo is accused of transmitting information from the European Parliament and monitoring Chinese dissidents in Germany. Krah, despite the arrest, maintains his position as the Alternative for Germany party’s (AfD) top candidate in the upcoming European Parliament elections on June 9. Krah emphasized his commitment to transparency and the refocusing of the election campaign on European topics.
Maximilian Krah, a prominent German far-right lawmaker, will continue as the Alternative for Germany party’s top candidate in the upcoming European Parliament elections despite the arrest of his assistant, Jian Guo, on suspicion of spying for China. Guo, who worked for Krah since his election to the European Union legislature in 2019, is accused of passing on information on negotiations and decisions in the European Parliament and snooping on Chinese dissidents in Germany.