Millions join EU vote finale as far right eyes gains
voters from Vilnius to Madrid were casting ballots Sunday on the final day of elections for the EU's parliament, with far-right parties eyeing gains at a pivotal time for the bloc.
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Twenty-one of the bloc's 27 countries, including heavy hitters France and Germany, were voting on the election's biggest day to help shape the European Union's direction over the next five years. «In the current world situation, where everyone is trying to isolate each other, it's important to keep standing up for peace and democracy,» said Berling voter Tanja Reith, 52.
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The election comes as the continent is confronted with Russia's war in Ukraine, global trade tensions marked by US-China rivalry, a climate emergency and a West that may soon have to adapt to a new Donald Trump presidency.
«Right now we are living in a scenario of uncertainty,» Jaime Bajo, a sports centre operator, said as he cast his vote in Madrid. «I can understand that people feel fear and vote with a hard mindset,» said the 40-year-old, who predicted a «rise of extremist forces» in Europe.
Historically low turnout
More than 360 million people were eligible to vote in the four-day election, although turnout in EU polls is historically low.
The bloc's next parliament will help decide who runs the powerful European Commission, with German conservative Ursula von der Leyen — who cast her vote in her home country — vying for a second term. While centrist parties are
