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Cracks in the Union: elections reveal rising democratic strain in the EU

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Across Europe, the democratic fabric of the European Union is under strain as populist and nationalist movements gain momentum, challenging...
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MEPs support new tariffs on Russian and Belarusian agricultural imports

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Metsola urges to "re-launch Europe as a global power"

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  In a keynote address at the Europe at the Crossroads event on Tuesday, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola laid out her vision...
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Belgian Minister launches Moldova visit to dissuade asylum seekers

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France and Germany collaborate on 30-day ceasefire plan for Ukraine, Macron says

France and Germany collaborate on 30-day ceasefire plan for Ukraine, Macron says   France and Germany collaborate on 30-day ceasefire plan for Ukraine, Macron says
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Germany labels far-right AfD party as extremist, earning praise from Jewish leaders

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Bardella poised to run for French Presidency in 2027 if Le Pen is barred

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Church of Norway sees surge in membership, driven by young families and a sense of community

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Border security: MEPs approve gradual roll-out of Entry-Exit System

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EU to name seven ‘safe’ countries for asylum returns

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The European Commission plans to classify Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Kosovo, Morocco, and Tunisia as "safe third countries of origin,"...
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Latest News

Cracks in the Union: elections reveal rising democratic strain in the EU

Cracks in the Union: elections reveal rising democratic strain in the EU Cracks in the Union: elections reveal rising democratic strain in the EU
Across Europe, the democratic fabric of the European Union is under strain as populist and nationalist movements gain momentum, challenging...
Read More...

MEPs support new tariffs on Russian and Belarusian agricultural imports

MEPs support new tariffs on Russian and Belarusian agricultural imports MEPs support new tariffs on Russian and Belarusian agricultural imports
  The European Parliament's International Trade Committee has voted to impose new tariffs on agricultural imports from Russia and Belarus,...
Read More...

Metsola urges to "re-launch Europe as a global power"

Metsola urges to "re-launch Europe as a global power" Metsola urges to "re-launch Europe as a global power"
  In a keynote address at the Europe at the Crossroads event on Tuesday, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola laid out her vision...
Read More...

Belgian Minister launches Moldova visit to dissuade asylum seekers

Belgian Minister launches Moldova visit to dissuade asylum seekers Belgian Minister launches Moldova visit to dissuade asylum seekers
  Belgium’s Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt (N-VA), will visit Moldova on Sunday as part of a campaign aimed...
Read More...

France and Germany collaborate on 30-day ceasefire plan for Ukraine, Macron says

France and Germany collaborate on 30-day ceasefire plan for Ukraine, Macron says   France and Germany collaborate on 30-day ceasefire plan for Ukraine, Macron says
  French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France and Germany are working closely to support Ukraine and are actively pursuing a...
Read More...

Germany labels far-right AfD party as extremist, earning praise from Jewish leaders

Germany labels far-right AfD party as extremist, earning praise from Jewish leaders Germany labels far-right AfD party as extremist, earning praise from Jewish leaders
  Germany has officially classified the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as an extremist organization, granting intelligence...
Read More...

Bardella poised to run for French Presidency in 2027 if Le Pen is barred

Bardella poised to run for French Presidency in 2027 if Le Pen is barred Bardella poised to run for French Presidency in 2027 if Le Pen is barred
  Jordan Bardella, president of France’s far-right National Rally party, has announced he plans to run for president in 2027 if Marine...
Read More...

Church of Norway sees surge in membership, driven by young families and a sense of community

Church of Norway sees surge in membership, driven by young families and a sense of community Church of Norway sees surge in membership, driven by young families and a sense of community
After years of declining numbers, the Church of Norway is experiencing a surprising revival. Membership is on the rise, especially among young...
Read More...

Border security: MEPs approve gradual roll-out of Entry-Exit System

Border security: MEPs approve gradual roll-out of Entry-Exit System Border security: MEPs approve gradual roll-out of Entry-Exit System
  The European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee has given the green light to gradually roll out the new Entry-Exit System (EES)...
Read More...

EU to name seven ‘safe’ countries for asylum returns

EU to name seven ‘safe’ countries for asylum returns EU to name seven ‘safe’ countries for asylum returns
The European Commission plans to classify Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Kosovo, Morocco, and Tunisia as "safe third countries of origin,"...
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As Belgium's upcoming European, federal, and regional elections loom less than a year away, a notable shift toward the political fringes is becoming apparent.

The traditional center is eroding as parties at both ends of the political spectrum dominate the polls. This trend begs the question: What implications might this polarization hold for Belgium?

Scheduled for June 9, 2024, Belgium's elections are already showing intriguing trends, even though it's premature for polls to predict precise outcomes. Belgian voters are gravitating increasingly towards extremist political ideologies, leading to a decline in support for traditional centrist parties.

If an election were held today, an unprecedented number of voters would likely cast their ballots for the far-right Vlaams Belang party or the far-left Workers' Party of Belgium (PVDA/PTB). According to the aggregated "Poll of Polls" conducted by POLITICO, these two parties presently claim the first and second positions nationally.

However, Belgium's unique political system complicates straightforward conclusions drawn from opinion polls. With projections indicating Vlaams Belang could secure 22 out of 150 seats, emerging as the largest party in the federal parliament, and PVDA/PTB closely following with 21 seats, a thorough analysis is required to comprehend the ideological dynamics.

A Complex System of Parties and Ideologies

Belgium's political landscape is intricate due to linguistic divisions, with many parties only contesting elections in one region. While parties may share ideological roots, they often diverge across linguistic boundaries. The true national party is PVDA/PTB, standing across the entire country. Vlaams Belang has no counterpart in Wallonia, forming its distinct political family.

Considering political families provides a nuanced view of the situation. In this light, socialist parties like PS (French-speaking) and Vooruit (Flemish) emerge as leading contenders with a projected total of 36 national seats, surpassing other factions.

Nonetheless, forming a coalition isn't straightforward due to regional and ideological differences. The rise of Vlaams Belang and PVDA/PTB in 2019 complicated government formation, resulting in a record-setting 652 days to establish a permanent government.

Anticipating Challenges and Impact

The ascent of Vlaams Belang and PVDA/PTB presents challenges for government formation and governance at both federal and regional levels. While a federal coalition involving these parties appears unlikely, their results will significantly shape coalition dynamics.

Regionally, Vlaams Belang holds substantial influence in Flanders, polling at around 23%. Its alignment with N-VA, another Flemish nationalist party, could be pivotal, but the breach of a cordon sanitaire remains uncertain.

PVDA/PTB garners support in Wallonia and is growing in Flanders. Its rise could widen the north-south ideological divide and rejuvenate discussions about regional autonomy.

As Belgium navigates these elections, the impact of political extremes on government dynamics and regional autonomy remains a subject of intrigue and concern. Photo by Theedi, Wikimedia commons.

deneme