Euro-skeptics

This week’s election for the European parliament could have significance for the Brexit negotiations. Starting on Thursday, voters in the 28 EU countries (including the U.K.) will elect lawmakers to the European parliament. Key issues included the economic slowdown, Brexit and the rise in Euroskpeticism. Euro-skeptics increased their representation in parliament from 12% to 25% in the last election, and with the dramatic increase in strength of populist parties, this trend could well continue. The Brexit party, headed by Nigel Farage, is expected to do well, while the Conservatives could be trounced, adding to Prime Minister May’s woes. There have been rumors swirling about May being forced out in the next few days or weeks, and the government has delayed the withdrawal bill, which was scheduled to be voted on in parliament on June 4.