Centre-Right parties

Catalans vote in an election that offers a new chance to exiled separatist leader

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Catalans vote in an election that offers a new chance to exiled separatist leader

Catalans are voting in a regional election between an exiled separatist politician, Carles Puigdemont, and the Socialist Party led by Salvador Illa. Puigdemont, who fled Spain after a failed independence bid in 2017, is vowing to resurrect the bid if elected. Opinion polls predict a lead for the Socialists, with the possibility of forming a coalition government due to the likelihood of no party reaching a majority. If no agreement is reached by August, a repeat election would take place in October.

Hard right wants more EU power to reflect likely election gains

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Hard right wants more EU power to reflect likely election gains

French right-wing lawmaker Jean-Paul Garraud expects nationalist and eurosceptic parties to gain influence in the upcoming EU assembly election. Polls predict radical right parties will increase their seats across the EU, including France, Germany, and Italy. Garraud anticipates far-right parties could have positions in committees or even hold key roles in the European Parliament, allowing them to influence policies related to green initiatives, free trade, and immigration. The rise of radical right parties is fueled by a growing gap between mainstream parties and distrustful voters, as well as concerns over issues such as the cost of living, illegal migration, and changing geopolitical dynamics. Critics warn that the influence of the hard right could weaken Europe and potentially lead to closer ties with China and Russia.

Nicosia mayoral race heats up

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Nicosia mayoral race heats up

A new challenger, Panagiotis Mentzis, backed by the Ecologists Movement, has entered the race for Mayor of Nicosia, injecting fresh energy into the campaign. Meanwhile, established candidates Nikos Tornaritis and Charalambos Prountzos are intensifying their efforts. Tornaritis, supported by centre-right parties, will present his candidacy on April 20. Prountzos, an independent candidate backed by AKEL and EDEK, has outlined his vision for Nicosia, focusing on sustainability and green initiatives. Prountzos’ plan includes ambitious targets for energy autonomy and sustainable urban mobility, as well as the creation of a digital platform called the “NicosiaApp.”

Ideology should not determine choice of leader

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Ideology should not determine choice of leader

The European People’s Party (EPP) nominated Ursula von der Leyen for another term as European Commission President at their congress in Bucharest. Mario Draghi, former Italian Prime Minister and President of the European Central Bank, is considered the favorite for the position of Commission President based on his leadership during the world economic crisis and transformation of Italy.