There has been a lot of analysis of last weekend’s EU elections, some of it rushed and sloppy. Europeans, we’re told, took a right turn in the vote for the European parliament. Some have suggested we’re seeing a return to the dark nationalism of the 1930s, or that Europeans have suddenly rediscovered Adam Smith or something. Right turn, yes, although “right” in Europe is “center” in the U.S. But to suggest a return to the 1930s is a stretch to say the least.
When 27 different nations go to the polls, it’s hazardous to simplify the outcomes. British and Dutch voters made strong statements against the EU. The Swedes didn’t. Some nations voted for the status quo. But yes, the Left took a beating in most nations. And the one obvious thread that does run through the outcome is a big thumbs down on the EU. Voter turnout was at a record low, and Eurosceptic parties like the UK Independence Party did well. (Although here is a story that calls the results an “undeniable victory” for the “European project.”) ????
The vote shows that Europeans are angry and worried, as they should be, about the creeping power of European Union bureaucrats over their lives and their nation’s sovereignty.
Recall that while he was the rotating head of the EU this year, Czech President Vaclav Claus compared the governance of the European Union to the Soviet Union. And he questioned the need for the European Parliament, which doesn’t seem to actually be a parliament as much as a group of well-paid lobbyists.
And this past weekend, a much larger chunk of Europeans said they don’t like it.
There is excellent analysis of the election outcome and what an undemocratic monstrosity the European Parliament is, here.