The upcoming European Parliament (EP) elections have illuminated deepening polarization within Czech society. Scheduled for June 7-8, these elections will select 21 of the 720 MEPs. For the first time, Czech campaigns are intensely focused on pan-European issues like migration, asylum policy, and the European Green Deal.

According to Tomáš Cirhan from the SYRI National Institute, these themes are being strategically used by political parties to polarize voters. For instance, the coalition of Přísaha and Motorists and the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) have built campaigns around rejecting the Green Deal and migration policies. This mirrors broader European trends where right-wing populist parties leverage such issues to gain support.

Despite the heightened campaign activity, voter turnout in Czechia is expected to be below 40%, indicating a significant lack of public engagement. Nonetheless, the impact of these elections could be profound, potentially leading to increased success for far-right parties across the EU and substantial shifts in European politics.

The polarization seen in the Czech campaigns is not isolated. Similar patterns are observed in other EU countries like the Netherlands and Germany, where far-right parties are capitalizing on anti-migration and anti-EU sentiments. This trend reflects a broader European struggle with integrating diverse views on migration and environmental policies.

In Czechia, major parties like ANO and the coalition of Přísaha and Motorists are vocally opposing the European Green Deal and migration policies. The SPD’s campaign slogans, such as “Money to the Czechs, not to Ukraine” and “No migration, no euro,” exemplify the domestic-focused, populist rhetoric being used to galvanize voter support.

Cirhan points out that while these elections might seem less critical compared to national elections, their outcomes could significantly influence the European political landscape. The increasing prominence of far-right parties could lead to considerable changes in EU policies and governance.

In conclusion, the 2024 European Parliament elections are a microcosm of the growing polarization in Czech society and across Europe. The emphasis on divisive issues like migration and the Green Deal reveals deep societal divides that parties are eager to exploit. As the elections approach, the political landscape is set for potential shifts that could reshape not only national but also European politics.

Article by Prague Forum