European Elections Start Dec. 4

Europe elections that could tear the EU apart: Votes in Italy, France, Germany and more

A SERIES of elections and referendums across Europe could plunge the EU into chaos as a wave of populism sweeps the continent. By Reiss Smith, 11/29/16

The Brexit vote and Trump victory have fueled a wave of anti-establishment sentiment that could see several key elections won by right-wing populist parties.

Politicians such as France’s Marine Le Pen, Austria’s Norbert Hofer and the Netherlands’ Geert Wilders are all in with a fighting chance of winning power in coming months.

Victories for parties such as Le Pen’s Front National and the Freedom Party of Austria could spark a slate of Brexit-style referendums which might spell the end of the EU.

After decades of a liberal world order, these right-wing parties could also put an end to multiculturalism and open immigration in Europe.

What is Italy voting for? 

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has proposed sweeping constitutional reforms that would reduce the size and power of Italy’s upper chamber, the Senate.

The reforms are designed to end years of political gridlock and instability caused by Italy’s perfectly equal bicameral system.

Mr. Renzi has pledged to step down if he loses the referendum and his resignation could spark a general election that might allow the anti-EU Five Star Movement to gain power.

Who will win? 

The latest polls indicate that 42 per cent of Italians plan to vote No, with just 37 per cent set to vote Yes.

What is Austria voting for? 

The vote is a rerun of Austria's presidential election after a knife-edge result in May was cancelled due to vote-counting irregularities.

Norbert Hofer, of the anti-Islam Freedom Party of Austria, will once again face the Green Party candidate Alexander Van der Bellen.

Mr Hofer has promised to clamp down on immigration and to call a referendum on EU membership if Turkey is granted accession or if Brussels tries to consolidate more power.

The Austrian presidency is largely ceremonial, but a Hofer victory could lead to early parliamentary elections and an end to the centrist, pro-EU coalition that has ruled the country for decades.

Who will win? 

Mr Van der Bellen won the original vote with 50.3 per cent to his rival’s 49.7 per cent, a lead of just 31,000 votes. But the Freedom Party has a slight lead in the latest polls, with Gallup/Österreich putting Mr Hofer ahead by four points.

What is France voting for? 

National Front leader Marine Le Pen and Republicans’ candidate Francois Fillon are the two main contenders to become France’s next President.

Le Pen has a strong Eurosceptic, anti-Islam stance and has pledged to hold a referendum on France’s membership of the EU. 

Whatever the result, the new presidency is set to usher in a new age of right-wing politics for France after decades of centrism.

Who will win? 

Mr Fillon is set to dominate both rounds of voting according to an Oxoda / France 2 television. He is predicted to win the first vote with 32 per cent, and crush Ms Le Pen by 71 per cent to 20 per cent in the final run-off.

What is the Netherlands voting for?

Far-right leader Geert Wilders – who is currently on trial for hate speech and discrimination has been tipped to become the Netherland’s next Prime Minister.

He has vowed to call a referendum on Dutch EU membership and to end immigration from Muslim countries. But he faces difficulties because the Netherlands relies on coalition governments and most political parties have sworn not to work with him.

Who will win?

The latest poll from Peil forecasts Mr Wilder’s Party For Freedom to win 33 out of 150 parliamentary seats, more than any other party.

What is Germany voting for? 

Angela Merkel will run for a fourth term as Chancellor but faces competition from the anti-EU Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Ms Merkel has faced heavy criticism over her open-door migrant policy, and has seen the AfD make gains in local elections this year.

While a fourth Merkel term would represent a continuation of the current status quo, a shock victory for AfD would see the reintroduction of German border controls, strict sanctions on Muslims and a referendum on EU membership.

Who will win?

Ms. Merkel’s CDU is leading the latest poll from Forschungsgruppe Wahlen with 36 per cent, with the AfD on 13 per cent.

http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/737771/europe-elections-italy-france-germany-austria-netherlands-eu-right-wing-populism

Comments

The European elections are a referendum on the EU and their Refugee Program. Italy is actually conducting an EU Exit vote December 4, 2016.

The other elections are for Prime Minister or President seats in various European countries.  Tolerance for refugees is wearing thin.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader