EU elections: Pivotal votes in Poland, Romania, and Portugal
In Romania, Poland, and Portugal, elections were held on Sunday, potentially marking a significant moment for the political direction of the European Union, reports China Daily. Voters were making choices that could influence the continent's approach to policies concerning Ukraine and the economy, claims the newspaper.
As China Daily writes, the votes took place at a particularly fragile time for European unity, amid increasing migration pressure, economic challenges, and rising pro-nationalist sentiments. The return of United States President Donald Trump to power has energised Eurosceptics across Europe, and his policies and rhetoric have influenced voter behaviour in the region.
In Poland, the presidential elections served as a de facto referendum on Prime Minister Donald Tusk's pro-European agenda, introduced following the removal of the nationalist Law and Justice government at the end of 2023. The Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, faced off against conservative historian Karol Nawrocki in a race that could determine whether Poland continues its renewed engagement with Europe or reverts towards nationalism, the portal writes.
The portal explains to Western readers that the Polish president has the right to veto bills, a tool previously used by the outgoing president, Andrzej Duda, associated with PiS politics, to block Tusk's attempts to reverse controversial judicial reforms.
The elections in Poland also highlighted the growing popularity of right-wing groups. In the last European Parliament elections, the surprisingly high results for Konfederacja, particularly its leaders Grzegorz Braun and Sławomir Mentzen, indicated the strengthening of Eurosceptic tendencies within Polish society.
Confrontation in Romania and instability in Portugal
The newspaper further discusses elections elsewhere. In Romania, where markets had already shown nervousness following the first round of the presidential vote, voters were choosing between two radically different visions. Far-right nationalist George Simion, who won the first round, represented a Eurosceptic stance opposing military aid to Ukraine. His opponent, the centrist Mayor of Bucharest, Nicusor Dan, advocated for anti-corruption efforts and strong ties with the EU and NATO.
Given the powers of the Romanian president in defence and foreign policy, including decisions on military aid and EU voting, the stakes were particularly high. Polling stations in Romania and Poland remained open until 9 PM, while voting in Portugal concluded at 8 PM.
The forthcoming elections in Portugal could also be significant for determining the direction Europe will take. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, leader of the centre-right Democratic Alliance, was leading in the polls but might not secure a parliamentary majority.
