The European elections are showing a surge in support for the nationalist right and the European People’s Party (EPP), while the left is maintaining its hold. Meanwhile, the Greens and Liberals are experiencing a decline in their support, according to initial data.
In Germany, the CDU/CSU (EPP) is leading with 30 seats, followed closely by the AfD (non-member group) with 17 seats and the Greens with 16 seats. Turnout in Germany was reported at 64%. In Austria, the far-right FPO has secured six seats, with EPP and S&D each getting five seats, and Greens and Liberals with two seats each. In Greece, New Democracy (EPP) is in first place with eight seats, followed by Syriza (Left) with four seats.
According to Cypriot media estimates, the liberal-conservative Democratic Grouping (EPP) is leading in Cyprus with between 25.5% and 28.5% of the votes, while The Progressive Workers’ Party (The Left) received between 23% and 26%. Final results have not yet been confirmed in France or Hungary. In France, turnout has significantly increased to reach 45.26% by 5pm on election day. Hungarian turnout reached 42% by 3pm on Sunday afternoon, higher than in previous elections but lower than anticipated due to Covid-19 concerns. Spain had a lower turnout compared to five years ago despite encouraging efforts from political parties and organizations alike.
In Portugal, turnout was substantially higher by midday compared to previous elections due to early voting options that have been available since Friday morning local time. Polling stations remain open until midnight in Germany on Sunday night; around 60 million Germans are called to vote for one of the three main groups: EPP, S&D or ECR – as well as several other smaller parties running for a total of nine seats allocated to Germany this year.
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