The European Parliament returns on Tuesday for its first plenary session for the 10th legislature, with the newly-elected 720 lawmakers convening in Strasbourg.
This marks the beginning of a five-year mandate that is expected to be the most contentious in history. Following the June elections, more than a quarter of MEPs now align with hard- and far-right groups, directly challenging the pro-European centrist parties. Although these centrist parties still hold a governing majority, there is concern that increased polarization could hinder the bloc’s long-term goals and lead to legislative gridlock.
The latest addition to the radical right is the Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN), a 25-member group that is staunchly anti-migration, anti-LGBT, anti-feminism, anti-Green Deal, anti-vaccination, and against military aid to Ukraine.
The first key decision for the new Parliament will be the vote of its President, with Malta’s Roberta Metsola expected to retain her post, according to multiple sources.
Metsola should received the backing not just of centre-right MEPs, but also of the centre-left given the traditional EPP-Socialists agreement to share the Presidency throughout the term. Liberals are also likely to support Metsola.
She will be contesting against Spanish MEP Irene Montero, who was nominated by the Left just before the closure of the deadline on Monday. The first vote is expected at 10am.
