Far-Right Parties Perform Well in European Union Elections

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In what is seen by many as an ominous shift right for the beleaguered international organization, European Union polling results today revealed the extent of the public’s disaffection with the EU and its policies, a move French President Francois Hollande called, “a shock, an earthquake.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel reiterated the need for EU member countries to focus on creating jobs and boosting economic growth while UK Prime Minister David Cameron said the “message” was received. Since the financial crisis of 2008, many EU member states have faced questions from their electorates regarding the benefit of and viability of their nations staying within the EU’s economic framework.

While, on the whole, moderate centrist parties maintained their majority in the EU parliament, the rise of far-right parties who threaten the very existence of the EU itself does give leaders some pause for concern.

[BBC]