Le Pen and populist allies set to win big at European Parliament elections as 'grand coalition' of centrist parties loses its majority, poll suggests

The European Parliament's 'grand coalition' of centre left and centre right parties could lose its majority for the first time in 40 years, it has been reported. The centre-left Socialists and Democrats and the centre-right European People's party look set to win just 45 per cent of seats at upcoming elections - down from 53 per cent - an internal parliament forecast has predicted.

It comes as opinion polls suggested Eurosceptic populists will make gains in the European Parliamentary elections in May - but mainstream political groups still ought to be able to maintain a working majority, albeit with increasing signs of fragmentation. More than 20 per cent of seats will likely be retained by Eurosceptic groups, polls suggest.

Forces loyal to Italy's hardline Interior Minister Matteo Salvini and far-right French politician Marine Le Pen will make gains, according to an analysis of national opinion polls put together by the parliament.

According to the Guardian, the latest forecast about the grand coalition is based on the assumption Britain will exit the EU on time.

It would see the two largest political groups dip below 50 per cent for the first time, parliament spokesman Jaume Duch Guillot said.

The 705 new members of parliament elected in the May 23-26 election will help formulate new EU laws over the next five years and choose the successor to Jean-Claude Juncker, head of the European Commission, the bloc's executive arm.


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6721367/Le-Pen-populist-allies-set-win-big-European-Parliament-elections-poll-suggests.html