Why Euroskeptics Have It Wrong
Recent elections reflect a need to roll back anti-EU sentiment
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In the “through the looking-glass” world of the European elections, a surprisingly large number of candidates won by pledging to eliminate the very office they were running for. How the European Parliament responds to these insurgents could determine not only its future but also that of Europe itself.
The elections, held in 28 countries, determined the makeup of the 751-member European Parliament for the next five years. In France, the record showing of the isolationist National Front was “a shock, an earthquake,” said Socialist Prime Minister Manuel Valls. The UK Independence Party also had its best showing ever. Euroskeptics even made gains in Finland, doubling their membership in the parliament to two.