The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) have recently restructured itself, resulting in an impressive increase of 84 members. This move has positioned the ECR as the third-largest group in the parliament, surpassing the Liberals who currently have 75 MPs. The two largest national delegations within the ECR are from Brothers of Italy (FdI), led by Georgia Meloni with 24 MEPs, and Polish opposition party Law and Justice (PiS), with its offshoot Sovereign Poland having 20 MPs.
The reorganization of the ECR has solidified its position as a significant force within the European Parliament. However, there were rumors that PiS might join a new right-wing alliance called “Patriots for Europe,” announced by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl on Sunday. The alliance also includes eurosceptic ANO party of former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš.
Although Fidesz-Partei, FPÖ, and ANO have enough MEPs to form a parliamentary group, they still lack supporters from four other EU countries. This prevented them from forming the new faction. There were also speculations about the potential involvement of Italian Lega, French Rassemblement National (RN) led by Marine Le Pen, and Portuguese right-wing populist party Enough-I’m Gone.
Despite these various possibilities, the ECR has solidified its position as a significant force within the European Parliament with its reorganization and increased membership.
In conclusion, despite recent speculations about potential alliances with other far-right groups in Europe, the Far-right Group of European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) has solidified its position as a significant force within the European Parliament following a recent reorganization that resulted in an impressive increase of members to 84.
