European elections with a big stake
According to the latest polls, the European elections on June 9 have a lot at stake. The European People’s Party and the two far-right forces, the Conservatives and Reformists of Georgia Meloni and the Identity and Democracy of Le Pen and Salvini, could exceed 320 seats, about 56 short of an absolute majority in the Eurochamber. This could break the traditional geometry in Strasbourg, consisting of Christian Democrats, Social Democrats, Liberals and Greens.
The migration issue as a central issue
In these European elections, the migration issue has been a central issue. Some progressive options have been vehement with their right-wing counterparts. For example, Irene Montero, Podemos candidate, has attacked Vox’s Jorge Buixadé, accusing him of being racist. The positions of the former equality minister and Podemos candidate, who has rejected the European pact on migration and asylum, have also been highlighted. On the other hand, Spanish right-wing parties have called for strengthening European borders and giving a unilateral response to the arrival of migrants.
Differences between Junts and the Republican Left
The differences between Junts and Esquerra Republicana have also manifested themselves in the migration issue. Diana Riba of Ara Repúbliques has accused Junts of wanting to select migrants, while Aleix Sarri has asked for better border management. This has generated confrontation between the Catalan parties.
Catalonia’s self-determination as a current issue
The topic of Catalonia’s self-determination has also been present in these European elections. Together, the ERC has defended the amnesty law approved by the Congress of Deputies, while the Spanish right-wing parties have attacked independence. In addition, there has been talk of the officiality of Catalan, Basque and Galician in Europe, with different positions between the parties.
Debates between the PP and the PSOE
The two main parties in the State, the PP and the PSOE, have focused their debates on local issues. Dolors Montserrat of the PP has sought to confront Teresa Ribera of the PSOE, especially on issues such as the stagnation of the renewal of the General Council of the Judicial Power. There have also been exchanges of criticism over the conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine, with the alternative left putting pressure on the PSOE.
Summary
In short, the European elections on June 9 have a lot at stake, with the rise of reactionary options and the debate on the migration issue and Catalonia’s self-determination as central issues. Right-wing and left-wing parties have clashed over these issues, as well as over local issues and international conflicts.
