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France’s Rassemblement National in Talks to Join New Group with Hungary’s Viktor Orbán

In a move that is expected to shake up the European parliament, France’s Rassemblement National (RN) is in talks to join a new group with Hungary’s Viktor Orbán. The RN, which is forecast to win the most seats in Sunday’s French legislative elections, will decide whether to ally with the Patriots for Europe group on Monday.

What is the Patriots for Europe Group?

The Patriots for Europe group, led by Viktor Orbán, has gained seven member parties, meeting the threshold to form an official faction under the EU parliament’s rules. If the RN joins the group, it would likely overtake the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) to become the third-largest group in parliament.

Who are the Member Parties?

The member parties of the Patriots for Europe group include:

• Vox, the Spanish hard-right party with six MEPs
• The Freedom party of Geert Wilders in the Netherlands
• The Danish People’s party
• Alternative for Germany (AfD)

What are the Consequences of the Group’s Formation?

The formation of the Patriots for Europe group has significant implications for the European parliament. It would give the far-right parties a stronger voice in the parliament and potentially lead to a shift in the balance of power.

Russia as a Dividing Line

One of the main dividing lines between the Patriots and AfD on the one hand, and the ECR on the other, is their stance on Russia. Orbán and Le Pen have traditionally held more pro-Moscow views, while Meloni is a strong defender of Ukraine.

Conclusion

The formation of the Patriots for Europe group is a significant development in European politics. It has the potential to shift the balance of power in the European parliament and give far-right parties a stronger voice. The consequences of this group’s formation will be closely watched by European leaders and the international community.

FAQs

Q: What is the Patriots for Europe group?
A: The Patriots for Europe group is a new faction in the European parliament led by Viktor Orbán and composed of seven member parties.

Q: What are the member parties of the Patriots for Europe group?
A: The member parties of the Patriots for Europe group include Vox, the Freedom party, the Danish People’s party, and Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Q: What are the implications of the Patriots for Europe group’s formation?
A: The formation of the Patriots for Europe group gives the far-right parties a stronger voice in the European parliament and potentially leads to a shift in the balance of power.

Q: What is the main dividing line between the Patriots and AfD on the one hand, and the ECR on the other?
A: The main dividing line is their stance on Russia, with Orbán and Le Pen holding more pro-Moscow views and Meloni being a strong defender of Ukraine.

Q: What are the chances of the Patriots for Europe group becoming the largest group in the European parliament?
A: While the group has the potential to grow, it is unlikely to become the largest group in the European parliament in the near future.

Author: www.ft.com

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