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Voters in Slovakia, Italy, and other European Union nations are casting their ballots on the third day of elections

In the EU parliamentary elections, Slovakia and other EU nations are voting amid a tense atmosphere, particularly in Slovakia, following an assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico. This incident may influence the election outcome, potentially benefiting Fico's party.

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Aqsa Younas Rana
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Populist and far-right parties seek gains across the EU.

Voters in Slovakia, Italy, and other European Union nations are casting their ballots on the third day of elections for the European Parliament. These elections are crucial, with populist and far-right parties aiming to increase their influence across the 27-member bloc.

In Slovakia, the election climate has been significantly affected by an assassination attempt on populist Prime Minister Robert Fico on May 15. This incident has sent shockwaves through the nation of 5.4 million and has had reverberations throughout Europe. Analysts suggest that the attack might bolster the chances of Fico's leftist Smer (Direction) party, which is the senior partner in the governing coalition, to win the vote.

Why This Matters: Fico, who assumed office last fall after a campaign emphasizing pro-Russian and anti-American sentiments, was seriously injured in the attempt on his life. He sustained multiple wounds after being shot in the abdomen while greeting supporters in the town of Handlova. Despite his injuries, Fico managed to recover enough to address the nation in a prerecorded video, marking his first public statement since the attack. This message was strategically released just hours before the start of the pre-election silence period on Wednesday. Although Fico did not explicitly discuss the upcoming vote, he used the platform to criticize the European Union, suggesting that his victimization was due to his divergent views from the European mainstream.

The broader European context of these elections cannot be overlooked. Across the continent, populist and far-right parties are seeking to capitalize on growing discontent with the EU's policies on immigration, economic integration, and national sovereignty. In Italy, for instance, the far-right League party, led by Matteo Salvini, is expected to make significant gains. Salvini has been a vocal critic of the EU's handling of immigration and has positioned himself as a defender of Italian sovereignty against what he perceives as overreach by Brussels.

The elections are also a litmus test for the traditional centrist parties that have dominated the European Parliament for decades. These parties are facing unprecedented challenges from both the left and the right, as voters express frustration with the status quo. The rise of populist and far-right parties reflects a broader trend of political fragmentation and polarization within the EU, which could have profound implications for the future of the bloc.

As voters head to the polls, the outcome of these elections will be closely watched not only in Europe but around the world. The results will provide a snapshot of the current political climate in the EU and could signal significant shifts in the balance of power within the European Parliament. Whether the populist surge will translate into tangible political change remains to be seen, but the stakes are undeniably high.

Key Takeaways:

  • Populist and far-right parties seek gains across the EU.
  • Slovak PM Robert Fico survives a shooting attack.
  • The attempt on Fico's life may boost his party's chances.
  • Prime Minister addresses the nation post-attack, criticizing the EU.
  • Fico’s message released before pre-election silence period.

Italy EU Election