Editorial: La Vanguardia

• Far-right has been gaining strength for months in view of the European Parliament elections.
• Anti-European populists may win elections in nine EU countries.
• Conservatives from EPP may form a majority with far-right MEPs.
• Rise of far-right is attributed to risk of poverty, social exclusion, European skepticism and pessimism, and their xenophobic and anti-immigration policies.
• These parties base their strategy on criticism of elites and democratic procedures, and an intolerant, xenophobic speech.
• Despite their common beliefs, European populist parties have significant differences and do not collaborate well.

Conclusion: Although their growth is likely, their inability to cooperate might prevent them from coming to power. However, they could provide an alternative majority to the EPP allowing for the passing of laws without agreements with socialists and liberals.

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