MADRID, Spain – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez issued a stark warning to European center-left politicians, gathering in Rome to prepare for a challenging campaign ahead of the EU elections. The rise of right-wing and far-right parties across Europe poses a significant threat to the very essence of the continent.
With only four EU member states currently governed by center-left or left-wing parties, the upcoming elections are anticipated to be unfavorable for the European left. Professor Marc Lazar of Sciences Po and Luiss University notes a decline in the European left’s influence since the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), the second-largest group in the outgoing European Parliament, faces an uncertain future as projections suggest possible setbacks in the upcoming elections. The dominance of right-wing parties, including the Christian Democrats in Germany and the Popular Party in Spain, further complicates the prospects for center-left parties.
Amidst this political landscape, leaders like Pedro Sánchez and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz are encountering challenges from conservative opponents. Mr. Scholz’s Social Democrats are engaged in a battle with far-right parties for support, while Mr. Sánchez faces criticism for his controversial deal with pro-independence Catalan parties.
The shift in center-left parties towards more liberal policies has blurred the lines between the center-left and center-right, leading to a loss of distinctiveness and weakening support. As the left focuses on progressive issues, it risks alienating working-class voters, further hampering its electoral prospects.
Despite challenges, some center-left parties are adapting their strategies by combining progressive and conservative policies. However, the overarching trend indicates a decline in the traditional influence and dominance of the European left in the political landscape.
Raphaël Glucksmann in France symbolizes a new wave of moderate, pro-European leadership emerging from the fragmentation of left-wing parties. His rise represents a shift in the French left towards a more centrist approach, challenging the dominance of far-right parties in the political arena.
As the EU faces critical issues such as Covid-19, the conflict in Ukraine, and climate change, the European left has struggled to capitalize on these crises to strengthen its position. Leadership shortcomings and internal divisions within center-left parties have further compounded the challenges faced by the European left in contemporary politics.