
Scepticism of all parties
Study by the Bertelsmann Stiftung Foundation ‘Europe’s Choice’ – Reflection of the EU?
IF – 05/2019
According
to a recent study by the German Bertelsmann Stiftung Foundation, many EU citizens are heading
into the upcoming European elections on May 26, 2019 with a negative stance
towards political parties. The study surveyed more than 20,000 voters in 12 EU Member
States. The rejection of certain parties will have a significant impact on the
election results and will also hamper the formation of constructive political
majorities in the new European Parliament. It is assumed that many people will
cast a vote to ‘punish’ certain political parties, which could have a
devastating effect on European policy.
Voter turnout is crucial
This
means that voter turnout is particularly crucial for the future of the EU. It
was apparent from some Member State elections that supporters of extreme
factions and Eurosceptic parties could be more easily mobilised than loyal
voters of the seated parties. Mobilising voters from predominantly pro-European
political parties is one of the most important prerequisites for forming
working majorities in the EU Parliament.
Lack of identification with parties
Only about six out of
100 voters identify positively with a party. Every second person totally
rejects one or more parties. Voters of right-wing parties have the greatest
positive and negative party identity. This means that 10.3% of voters identify
with the party, while 52.8% reject it completely. More than 50% of voters also
reject left-wing populist and extreme left-wing parties without exception.
Social policy favourably received
In comparison to the omnipresent
topic of asylum policy, European social policy seems to be a major concern of
voters. According to the study, there is a tendency towards ideological
imprinting that is instrumental here. Left-wing voters want a more pronounced
social union, whereas right-wing voters are in favour of minimising EU
expenditure on social welfare. A comparison of countries shows that the
majority of Swedes, Austrians and Dutch are in favour of reducing social
expenditure. The majority of Spaniards and Greeks, on the other hand, would
like to see a significant increase in social welfare expenditure.
Every vote counts!
It
is often claimed that voting in the European elections makes no difference and
as a result there is no need to vote. However, the Bertelsmann Stiftung study
gives numerous, clear reasons that exactly the opposite is the case. Every vote counts!