More correct and more anti-political

The European elections have meant a global advance of the right in the European Parliament, including the victory of seats by structures integrated into the European People’s Party and a significant and growing presence of the extreme right. In the Spanish state, in a very polarized electoral confrontation, this conservative advance also occurs, although slowed by the resistance of the PSOE, while its left-wing retreatists and nationalist parties obtain uneven results.

Its results reflect a more conservative Europe in which the gap between the European People’s Party and the Social Democrats has increased slightly in favour of the former; with a significant setback from the liberals and the Greens. But with clear prospects of establishing a majority without the extreme right. Some far-right formations are not growing quantitatively as expected, and are even declining in Sweden, Denmark, Finland or Portugal. However, they are growing in the rest of the states and are the first force in France (which led Macron to immediately call early elections, the first round of which will take place at the end of this month) and in Italy and they are in second place in Germany (with 18% Alternative for Germany, the heir to Nazism), the three strongest states in the European Union, which is very worrying.

Therefore, the new European Parliament is more right-wing and has a greater prominence of those who do not believe in the Union or do not defend Social Europe or commitments against the climate crisis, and defend a more stringent set of migration policies.

Spanish State

Regarding the Spanish State, the PP won with 34.2% of the vote and 22 seats, but far from the gap with the PSOE, as the surveys had indicated a few months ago; therefore, the PP’s attempt to present the elections as a referendum to overthrow the government of Pedro Sánchez and Progress did not succeed. The PP has benefited from the disappearance of Ciudadanos, but now it has two competitors on the extreme right. The PSOE resists with 30.2% and 20 seats in a very difficult scenario (the amnesty, the Koldo case, the judicial and media harassment, the investigation of Begoña Gómez…) and becomes a clear social democratic reference in Europe. He continues to take votes from his left, which remains weak.

The extreme right is growing in its two versions (Vox, the third force in votes and seats, and Elvis’s new party) and bringing together around 15% of the ballot.

Of the nationalist forces, the best stand is the Ahora Repúblicas coalition composed of Bildu, BNG and ERC, winner in Euskadi, thanks to the strength of the former; while the BNG, which achieved 31.6% in the Galician regional elections in February, is now at 16.13%, 15 percentage points lower, which confirms the different nature of these elections. In the frame of retreats for both Juntes and PNV take one each. Finally, the left weakens in the state: 4.65% Sumar (3 seats) and 3.28% Podemos (2).

Canary Islands

The Executive of Nueva Canarias-Bloque Canarista decided to participate in the European Parliament elections by a large majority in different meetings held between April and May; being fully aware of the enormous difficulties in facing them for a regional force like ours, as already demonstrated in 2019 under better conditions. Even more so since on this occasion we did not have mailing or financial or advertising resources.

We did it with a non-capital island candidate, Lorena López, vice-president of the European Free Alliance (ALE), and on a broader platform than in 2019. On the previous occasion it was with Compromís and other regional organizations. Commitment to Europe. On this occasion we participated with Sumar (Movimiento Sumar, Izquierda Unida, Compromís, Más Madrid, Chunta Aragonista…). With the idea of ​​making a modest contribution to stopping the advance of the extreme right and, above all, incorporating a Canarian program that, through the elected representatives of Sumar, we are going to defend in this European legislature.

We went to these elections with very few economic and advertising means. The coalition of which we are part, Sumar Canarias, has had modest results and similar to those of Commitment to Europe five years ago. On that occasion, and with the important advantage of coinciding with local and regional elections, we obtained 4.27% (compared to 8% on the list of the Canary Islands Parliament on the same day). Now 4.01%.

We improved results on all islands, especially in Lanzarote and Tenerife. And in Gran Canaria we substantially reduced the gap that the CC had with us in 2019. So despite the different intensity of the campaign in the different municipalities, on Sunday, June 9, the gap in its favour was 12,438 votes to 2,454.

Territorial parties

We have in the CC a clear example of the enormous difficulty of these European elections for regional parties. Presiding over the Canarian government, ruling most councils and several city councils, with a powerful campaign in the media and posters. Post And its own ballot, with all its council presidents integrated into the electoral slate, with a well-known candidate with great political experience, loses 120,000 votes compared to the 2019 elections, 63.43%, and increases from 20.79% to 10.07%.

On the other hand, the State is clearly on the rise in the Canary Islands. The PP rises by 13 points and 56,000 ballots at the cost of the disappearance of Ciudadanos. The extreme right also does so in its two versions, Vox and Ultra Elvis, which combined obtain 19%, four percentage points more than the State.

Podemos lost 75% of the vote, Ciudadanos 96% and CC 63.43%. Our candidacy is 29% and PSOE 28%. The left (PSOE, Sumar and Podemos) added 256,529 supports. And the right (PP, CC, Vox and Elvis’ party) 390,000.

Now in Europe, in the Spanish State and in the Canary Islands, very complex phases come. Between a conservative wave of enormous dimensions, which threatens social cohesion, freedoms and rights, the fight against the climate crisis and its grave consequences. As well as the tightening of immigration policies, an issue in which the Canary Islands need the solidarity of the rest of the communities and the European Union.

On behalf of Nueva Canarias-Bloque Canarista we will continue to maintain our commitment to achieving understanding between progressive structures, groups and people, without sectarianism or red lines. Developing an approved action plan for the period 2023-2027. Aimed at continuing to aspire to a more socially balanced and environmentally sustainable Canarian society. Feminist and defender of LGTBI rights. Fighter against racism and xenophobia. Involved in peace and solidarity with the people.

This is our endeavor. That is and will remain our permanent work.