Populists in the European Parliament – Orban’s EULegal alliance before obtaining faction status – politics
The political climate in the European Parliament could change dramatically as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and other right-wing politicians seek to form a new alliance. The group, known as Patriots for Europe“, was presented almost a week ago and, thanks to the participation of other European parties, has the possibility of achieving group status in the European Parliament.
The importance of the alliance
The new right-wing alliance could have significant political implications for the structure and decision-making of the European Parliament. If the group does indeed gain political group status, it could become the third largest group and provide a significant counterweight to the established parties. This is particularly important for Orban, who is isolated in the EU and now has a platform to further spread his nationalist and conservative views.
Background and affiliated parties
Orban's party Fidesz, the Austrian FPÖ under Herbert Kickl and the Czech ANO, led by Andrej Babis, form the core of the "Patriots for Europe". Last Sunday, the Portuguese right-wing party Chega and the Spanish VOX also joined the alliance, thus fulfilling the requirements for the formation of a parliamentary group.
Additional support from Denmark and the Netherlands
Just a few days after the announcement in Vienna, Dutch right-wing populist Geert Wilders and the Danish People's Party (DVP) under Anders Vistisen also confirmed their membership of the new alliance. Wilders tweeted about his enthusiasm on the X platform, while Vistisen stressed that the DVP wanted to send a strong signal to federalist forces.
“Patriotic Manifesto” – Political Positions
With the publication of the "Patriotic Manifesto", the alliance made its political goals clear: a strict rejection of migration and the "Green Deal", no support for Ukraine, which is being attacked by Russia, and a rollback of EU integration in favor of national sovereignty. These positions reflect the views of many right-wing and populist parties in Europe.
Tensions and strategic challenges
Interestingly, the German AfD remains outside the group, although it was also a member of a right-wing faction before the European elections. AfD leader Alice Weidel stressed that joining is not an option at the moment and spoke of long-term strategic considerations. Behind the scenes, it is suspected that the German government is putting pressure on Orban not to cooperate with the AfD.
Possible expansion and the role of Marine Le Pen
Another potential addition to the alliance could be Marine Le Pen's Rassemblement National (RN). Le Pen, who also has a pro-Russian stance, will announce her decision on Monday after the second round of the French parliamentary elections. The RN's entry would be crucial for Orban to make the "Patriots for Europe" the third strongest group in the European Parliament.
Orban’s political success and challenges
For Orban, the formation of the alliance is a remarkable success, as he is isolated in the EU due to his authoritarian governance and proximity to the Kremlin. Since Hungary joined the EU and took part in the 2004 European elections, Fidesz has been a member of the conservative European People's Party (EPP). However, after years of disputes, Fidesz left the EPP and has been non-attached ever since, until the current founding of the "Patriots for Europe".
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Source: nachrichten.ag
