Liberals even stronger in new European Parliament

The ELDR party MEPs are set to strengthen their influence in the next European Parliament as they increase their MEPs relative to 2004 and to the EDP members, with whom they form the current ALDE Group. ELDR MEPs within the liberal group are expected to bring 75 out of the 84 total seats.

Given the Christian Democrats’ and Socialists’ losses, more than ever it will be Liberals who will play a pivotal role in the European Parliament, influencing the European agenda in the upcoming 5 years. Without our support no majority is possible in the EP.

As a rising party amongst the pro-European political families, European liberals have stood up to euro-skeptic forces across Europe. Commenting on the results, Annemie Neyts, ELDR Party President and newly re-elected MEP stated, “Liberals will remain the guardians of freedom and will stand up to the voices that want to dilute the role of the EU. In doing so we will reveal the inability of populist parties to substantiate their rhetoric”. “I am also happy to announce that almost half of our MEPs will be women”.

The losses suffered by the two largest parties were mostly due to gains made by far right, nationalist movements, which reinforces the strong performance of liberal parties. The nasty attacks of the leader of the PSE against liberals during the campaign haven’t paid off. Furthermore, the regrettable representation of far-right, populists parties won’t be able to respond to the most pressing challenging of today’s economic crisis and its consequences. Neither protectionism nor nationalisation will help to overcome this crisis.

Amongst liberal parties increasing their representation:

FDP, Germany, 12 MEPs (+5 compared to 2004)
Italia dei Valori, Italy, 7 MEPs (+6 compared to 2004)
D66, The Netherlands, 3 MEPs (+2 compared to 2004)
Center Party, Estonia, 3 MEPS (+2 compared to 2004)
FolkPartiet, Sweden, 3 MEPs (+1 compared to 2004)
Zares, Slovenia, 1 MEP (+1 compared to 2004)

ELDR also welcomes the results of our new member party, Irish Fianna Fàil, which elects 3 MEPs. ELDR congratulates the UK Liberal Democrats, second largest delegations in the Liberal group, for their 11 MEPs.