The European elections in Portugal have historically seen low voter turnout, with the highest abstention rate of 68.6 percent recorded in 2019. This contrasts with the average 50 percent turnout seen across Europe. Political dissatisfaction has been cited as the main reason for this high abstention rate. However, there is hope for a decrease in abstention in the upcoming elections on June 9th, following the trend seen in the recent legislative elections with a turnout of 59.84 percent. There is a growing sense of connection to Europe among the Portuguese, but a lack of awareness of European institutions and how they work may be contributing to the high abstention rates.
According to Francisco Cordeiro de Araújo, a guest assistant at the Faculty of Law of the University of Lisbon, the European Union is important for Portugal, but there is a need for better communication and understanding of EU institutions. A study by the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation’s European Policy Barometer found that less than half of Portuguese citizens can name a Portuguese MEP or the President of the European Commission, showing a lack of knowledge about the EU. However, there is optimism that efforts to educate and engage citizens will lead to increased voter participation in the upcoming elections.
In the lead-up to the European elections, Portuguese young people are showing strong interest in voting, with 77 percent of individuals aged 18 to 30 planning to vote. This is higher than the average turnout in other European countries. The Eurobarometer on Youth and Democracy highlights the importance of engaging young people in the democratic process and the potential impact they can have on election outcomes. It is hoped that the enthusiasm of young voters will help boost overall voter turnout in Portugal.
The upcoming European elections are expected to reflect the rise of right-wing movements seen in national elections. Right-wing parties, especially those with increased representation in the national parliament, are likely to gain from the elections. This shift in political landscape could lead to a change in the composition of the European Parliament, with radical and populist parties on both the left and right gaining votes and seats. The Democratic Alliance and the Socialist Party are currently in a statistical tie, with the right-wing Chega party emerging as a major political force with 15 percent of voting intentions.
In conclusion, the upcoming European elections in Portugal present an opportunity for increased voter participation and engagement with the European Union. Efforts to educate and inform citizens about the importance of the EU and its institutions are key to reducing abstention rates. The enthusiasm of young voters and the potential for a shift in political representation in the European Parliament highlight the significance of these elections. It remains to be seen how the political landscape in Portugal will evolve following the results of the June 9th elections.
