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Millions Head to Polls on Final Day of EU Elections Amid Right-Wing Surge

Europeans in 20 countries are heading to the polls on the biggest and final day of voting for the European Parliament. This year’s election is especially significant in a continent grappling with polarized politics and rising nationalism.

The lead-up to the vote has seen several violent incidents, including an attack on Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen that left her with minor whiplash and forced her to halt campaigning. However, this attack is not being seen as politically motivated.

The main center-right grouping in Europe is expected to lead when the first projections are released later on Sunday. However, far-right parties in France, Italy, and Austria—namely France’s National Rally, Italy’s Brothers of Italy, and Austria’s Freedom Party—are also aiming to win the most seats nationally. Belgium’s separatist and anti-immigration party, Vlaams Belang, is also leading in the polls.

While some EU countries began voting on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the majority of EU member states are voting on Sunday. The European Parliament serves as the direct link between Europeans and the EU’s institutions.

This election marks the first time 16- and 17-year-olds can vote in Germany and Belgium, increasing the size of the youth vote. Young Austrians and Maltese have been able to vote from 16 for some time, and Greeks can vote from 17.

In Germany, there are an estimated 1.4 million eligible 16- and 17-year-olds among about five million first-time voters, potentially influencing the election outcome. The far-right Alternative For Germany (AfD) has reportedly attracted young men, particularly through campaigns on social media platforms like TikTok.

 

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