Formation of a New Far-Right Group and Potential Consequences for AfD

Formation of a New Far-Right Group

Fifteen MEPs of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) are preparing to craft a new group after being kicked off of the Identity and Democracy (ID) gathering by the French far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Confidential negotiations to bring together an alternative group with ultra-right dissidents from other countries have been taking place in Brussels since Tuesday.

Possible Members and Prospects

One of the new Bulgarian MEPs from the ultra-traditionalist party Vazrazhdane or Revival involved in the talks, Petar Volgin, said that the birth of a new alternative far-right group is “highly likely”. A pro-Russian public radio star in Bulgaria, Volgin, has posted a moderately optimistic announcement on Facebook: “There are many parties and MEPs that share our ideas, and therefore we can hope for success.” The talks are to resume in Brussels on Monday. The EU rules establish at least 23 MEPs from a minimum of even countries are needed to create an official group. According to the Bulgarian ultra-right, there might be just enough parties and MEPs to do so.

• Parties and MEPs from Slovakia, Hungary (excluding Fidesz), Romania, Spain, Greece, and several Russian minority representatives from the Baltic countries are potential applicants to join the new group.

Challenges Faced by Non-Attached MEPs

Non-attached MEPs have fewer advantages than those who are part of a group. It is almost impossible for non-attached MEPs to get the presidency of parliamentary committees or to become rapporteurs on important issues. On top of that, non-attached members have limited speaking time in the plenary sessions.

Potential Consequences for AfD

According to European Parliament sources, if the AfD does not form a group, some of the civil servants (not necessarily AfD sympathisers) working for the German far-right party at the parliament could lose their jobs.