June 05, 2019
Why the fragmentation of European politics could bode poorly for democracy
Reaching consensus in the new E.U. Parliament just got harder.
After last week’s elections, the European Parliament is more fragmented than ever — growing discontent with the mainstream meant that centrist and mainstream parties took a beating. For the first time in 40 years, the center-right and the center-left will no longer control a majority of the European Parliament, and power will be spread over eight party groupings rather than seven in the last parliament. Although the far right did well, so too did the liberals and Greens.
This mirrors the fragmentation that has been happening in national European parliaments. Across the continent, political party systems are splintering. Some of this reflects the resurgence of existing parties. Support for the Greens, for example, has risen in recent years. But much of the fragmentation has been the result of the emergence of new political parties. Since 2000, 94 new parties have won seats in national legislatures in Europe.
Read the full article in The Washington Post.
More from CNAS
-
Podcast
Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. and Alan Salazar join Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend to discuss how their communities in Arkansas and Colorado engage with foreign policy issues...
By Frank Scott, Jr. & Alan Salazar
-
Commentary
Addressing the China challenge will require broadening beyond the transatlantic partnership and bringing Indo-Pacific partners to the table....
By Carisa Nietsche
-
Podcast
Wess Mitchell joins Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend on a special, live episode of Brussels Sprouts to discuss the “NATO 2030” report’s findings on the future of the NAT...
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Jim Townsend & Wess Mitchell
-
Commentary
2020 featured an ever-evolving series of national security challenges....
By Sam Dorshimer, Nathalie Grogan, Emily Jin, Chris Estep & Cole Stevens