Read Part 1, THE IMPACT OF RECENT ELECTIONS IN BRICS COUNTRIES

The Impact of Neoliberalism On European Elections

Recent elections in Europe indicate a strong political division within the dialectical struggle. The resurgence of socialism and leftist governments signals a growing proletarian consciousness and resistance to imperialism and capitalist exploitation. Regional alliances and economic strategies were challenged, leading to increased coalitions among left-leaning governments. The rise of populist and nationalist parties in Europe indicates the working class's increasing dissatisfaction with the neoliberal establishment, potentially leading to inward-looking policies and a fragmented political consensus.

Neoliberalism Continues

 🇪🇺Centrist and far-right parties made significant gains during the European Union’s parliamentary elections, held from June 6 to 9th. The European People's Party, in coalition with the CDU and supported by Ursula von der Leyen, led with 171 seats, The Party of European Socialists came second with 129 seats. The European Conservatives and Reformists secured 58 seats, while the European Green Party received 42.Pro-EU centrist, liberal, and environmentalist parties lost ground, while anti-EU right-wing populist parties gained. The European Conservatives and Reformists surpassed the centrist Renew Europe group, and the new Patriots for Europe group secured the third most seats. These results could influence EU policies, with a stronger Green presence advocating for more aggressive climate action, while nationalist parties may disrupt the consensus on foreign policy. The election results were primarily driven by dissatisfaction with the EU’s Ukraine policy, as German Chancellor Scholz attested. Despite this, anti-Russia policies are expected to continue.

🇪🇺 On July 18th, Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected President of the European Commission by the European Parliament, with the support of 401 members. She seeks to transform the EU into a “defensive bloc,” stating, “our work in the next five years will focus on building a true European Defense Union.”

Meet the New Boss Same As The Old Boss

🇫🇷 In the fallout from the EU parliamentary elections, the National Rally party gained several seats as President Emmanuel Macron's popularity declined. As a result Macron called for snap elections in an attempt to secure political unity.

June 30 Round 1:

In Round 1, RN candidates supported by Éric Ciotti of The Republicans (LR) led with 33.21% of the vote, followed by the New Popular Front (NFP) with 28.14%, Macron’s Ensemble with 21.28%, and LR candidates with 6.57%. Marine Le Pen’s The National Rally Party (RN) gained several seats with 33.15%, startling the French establishment.

The ruling class was deeply concerned about the rise of the right wing and the possibility of Le Pen withdrawing France from NATO, despite her support for limited aid to Ukraine. Le Pen (a right wing reactionary) campaigned on preventing the deployment of French troops to Ukraine and expressed support for Israel, calling her party a "Zionist party," while Macron maintained a more indecisive stance on Israel. Ironically, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, whose party won the most seats, recently called for France to leave NATO.

An analysis of why Macron’s party was defeated points to unpopular policies, such as high fuel taxes and pension reform, which have alienated much of the country. Juggling enormous discontent within the country Macron shifted his focus to Ukraine to bolster his image, while attempting to maintain France’s colonial presence in Africa. Macron's hawkish comments about the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine led to an apparent backlash. Despite, both Macron and Le Pen calling for de-escalation, (along with Mélenchon) their statements about negotiating with Russia are dubious at best. As neither candidate is likely to entirely break with the French establishment.

July 7th Round 2:

Macron formed a coalition with Jean-Luc Mélenchon's NFP party to prevent Le Pen’s party from gaining a majority. This alliance successfully kept Le Pen out of office while temporarily solidifying Macron's position.

In the legislative elections, neither party achieved a majority, leading to a hung parliament and the possibility of another snap election. Mélenchon’s New Popular Front Party (NFP) came in first with 7 million votes and 182 seats, Macron's Ensemble coalition came in second with 6.6 million votes and 168 seats, and Le Pen’s National Rally secured third place with 10.5 million votes and 143 seats, an increase of 6.5 million since the last election. Although Le Pen’s party did not perform as well as projected, the victory of Trotskyite Jean-Luc Mélenchon's party cannot be considered a true victory for revolutionaries. Mélenchon's party, La France Insoumise (LFI), entered into a coalition with the Socialist Party (PS), the Greens, and with Macron’s Ensemble party, forming the temporary NFP party, thereby contradicting the “opposition candidate” narrative.

The NFP sought to nominate its own candidate for Prime Minister, but Ensemble threatened a no-confidence vote against any NFP-led government, especially one led by LFI. Consequently, the alliance chose Lucie Castets as its candidate, though it remains uncertain if Macron will accept her. François Hollande, (the former president Of France and Trotskyite) might replace Macron if his party loses seats, potentially continuing Macron’s policies. Mélenchon, a strong advocate for Palestine, has called for France to recognize Palestine as an independent state. Despite gaining support with pro-working class and pro-Palestine policies, Mélenchon’s party is unlikely to significantly shift France’s foreign policy in a divided parliament.

🇬🇧 Labor leader Keir Starmer became the Prime Minister following Conservative leader Rishi Sunak's resignation amid the July 4th General Election. Starmer’s party received 9.7 million votes and 412 seats, securing a majority in Parliament, bringing Starmer to power. Rishi Sunak’s party Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party came in second with 6.8 million votes and 121 seats, losing two-thirds of its seats in a crushing defeat. The Reform UK party, led by anti-immigrant reactionary Nigel Farage, won 4 seats with 4.1 million votes, coming in third. Farage gained his seat in parliament after seven unsuccessful attempts, while diverting votes away from Conservatives. Unfortunately, staunch Palestine advocate George Galloway lost his seat by a small margin amidst the Labour victory. 

Despite the change in governance, the UK's stance on Ukraine and Israel is unlikely to shift, as Starmer has doubled down on support for Ukraine. However, the new British Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, called for a ceasefire in Gaza, in break from Statmer’s staunch support of Israel. Starmer campaigned on strengthening ties with the European Union and fixing the NHS.

So Much for Hope and Change

Overall, these electoral outcomes and superficial changes in power reflect the need for revolutionary change, within global governance. Yet there is little hope the new leaders can achieve any effective changes in foreign policy and the economy aside from trade and joint environmental policy. Such campaigns reflect the bourgeoisie’s attempts to distract from the economic crisis through nationalistic rhetoric and controlled opposition. The economic failure in the region highlights the shortcomings of the capitalist and neoliberal systems. Europe’s class struggle underscores the need for international solidarity and the advancement of the working class.