China could benefit from rise of extreme left and right parties in Europe elections: report
- Czech study finds groups at both ends of the political spectrum consistently vote against anti-China measures in the European Parliament
- Next month’s elections are expected to see gains for far-left and far-right politicians who could reduce support for the legislature’s stance
A Czech study claims that factions in both groupings have consistently voted against legislation and resolutions targeting China, and that Beijing is increasingly targeting relations with erstwhile fringe parties in a bid to increase its influence in European politics.
The report, from the Association for International Affairs in Prague, was released ahead of the five-yearly elections, at a time when Beijing’s ties to its extreme figures is already under the spotlight.
“The anticipated gains for both far-right and far-left wings in the European Parliament are likely to favour more China-friendly votes, potentially softening rhetoric and reducing support for more assertive stances against China,” it said.
The breakdown of the returned political groups will also influence the components of the next European Commission, although centre-right Ursula von der Leyen – architect of Brussels’ tougher approach to China – is widely tipped to secure another term as president.
The European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) forecasts that the far-right Identity and Democracy (ID) Group will increase its number of seats from 58 to 98, while the Left grouping is predicted to rise from 38 to 44.