MEP elections: navigating the rightward shift and its impact on the tobacco sector

A rise in support for radical and nationalist right-wing parties across Europe, as reported by press, is not expected to dismantle the existing grand coalition of political groups during the upcoming elections for members of European Parliament (MEPs), analysts suggest.

The centre-left Progressive Alliance of Socialist and Democrats (S&D) group may experience a slight decline in seats but is expected to remain significant. The centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) group is projected to maintain its lead in number of seats held. However, with voters leaning towards the right, the EPP is said to be contemplating new alliances with Eurosceptic parties such as the rightist European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) – potentially bolstering their presence in Brussels.