February 1, 2023
A weekly review of news and analysis of elections in Europe, usually posted on Wednesdays and occasionally updated throughout the week.
The entrance to the Czech Republic’s presidential residence, located on the complex of Prague Castle. Photo credit: Wikimedia/Siverec (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Upcoming Europe Elections
Germany, Berlin State Elections: February 12, 2023, followed by other state elections later this year
Julia Dahm, Euractiv (February 1, 2023): Conservative CDU leads polls as top court OKs Berlin election re-run
DW (January 31, 2023): Berlin repeat election to go ahead, says Germany’s top court
Greece Parliamentary Elections: By July 2023
Euractiv (February 1, 2023): MEP calls for ‘clarity’ on Greek Watergate before elections
Euronews with AP (January 28, 2023): Greek government survives vote of no-confidence in run-up to the elections
Begum Donmez Ersoz, Voice of America (January 27, 2023): US Weighs Turkey, Greece Jet Sales Amid NATO Expansion
Fitch Ratings (January 27, 2023): Fitch Upgrades Greece to ‘BB+’; Outlook Stable
Slovakia Snap Parliamentary Elections: September 30, 2023 (proposed – requires parliament to change constitution to allow)
A center-right, broadly Atlanticist coalition unseated Slovakia’s left-wing populist government in 2020, but the coalition has had trouble staying together. The opposition has been pushing for snap elections and parliament has agreed to change the law to allow them to be held.
Geopolitical impact: If former PM Robert Fico wins the elections and gets back in office, he could change Slovakia’s position toward Ukraine. Slovakia currently backs Kyiv, but Fico opposes sending weapons and has become even more pro-Russia in his time out of office.
Marián Koreň, Euractiv (February 1, 2023): Slovak’s EU-skeptic parties lead in polls ahead of autumn elections
Reuters (January 31, 2023): Slovakia will hold early election in Sept, pro-Ukraine stance at stake
Spain General Elections: December 10, 2023 (due – early elections possible)
Fernando Heller, Euractiv (January 31, 2023): Spanish inflation at highest in 35 years after state subsidies end
Reuters (January 31, 2023): Spain to raise minimum wage by 8% as elections loom
Poland Parliamentary and Local Elections (due – earlier elections possible): November 11, 2023
Bloomberg (January 30, 2023): Polish Economy Slows as War in Ukraine and Rate Hikes Hit Growth
Reuters (January 27, 2023): Polish parliament passes new election rules ahead of 2023 vote
Past Europe Elections
Austria, State Elections in Lower Austria: January 29, 2023
The center-right ÖVP lost its absolute majority in the January 29 state election in Lower Austria as right-wing populist FPÖ makes gains.
This is a bad omen for ÖVP (which currently heads the federal government in coalition with the Greens) ahead of general elections next year. Lower Austria is an ÖVP stronghold, and the home region of many of the party’s leaders.
Nikolaus J. Kurmayer at Euractiv notes: “The FPÖ itself is the clear winner of the state election, with gains of more than 10%, receiving about 25% of the vote. The party now looks poised to take home the 2024 Austrian federal election.”
Nikolaus J. Kurmayer, Euractiv (January 30, 2023): Austrian conservatives suffer historic electoral defeat
Emily Schultheis, AP (February 1, 2023): Austria’s far-right Freedom Party regains national momentum
Jonathan Tirone, Bloomberg (January 29, 2023): Austrian Ruling Party Loses Ground in Key Regional Election
Czech Republic Presidential Runoff: January 27-28, 2023
Retired general Petr Pavel defeated controversial former prime minister Andrej Babiš in the Czech Republic’s presidential runoff in January. Incumbent Milos Zeman, who has been in power for 10 years and did not run for re-election, built closer ties with Russia and China.
Pavel, a former chairman of the NATO Military Committee, favors pro-West policies, while populist Babiš has criticized support for Ukraine and the EU more generally.
Raphael Minder, Financial Times (February 1, 2023): Czech president-elect says west must accept China is ‘not friendly’: Petr Pavel challenges Beijing by becoming Europe’s first elected head of state to speak to Taiwanese president
BBC (January 31, 2023): Petr Pavel: Ukraine deserves to join Nato, says new Czech leader
Adam Magyar, Euronews (January 29, 2023): Record turnout as Pavel sweeps to victory in Czech Republic’s presidential elections
Ladka Bauerova and Emily Rauhala, Washington Post (January 28, 2023): Retired Gen. Pavel defeats billionaire Babis in Czech election
Ketrin Jochecová, Politico (January 27, 2023): Babiš plays on fears of war with Russia in long-shot Czech presidency bid
United Kingdom Local Elections, including Northern Ireland Assembly: May 5, 2022
The United Kingdom held local elections for some local councils, as well as the Northern Ireland Assembly, on May 5.
Northern Ireland’s nationalist Sinn Féin became the biggest party in the Assembly following these elections. However, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has been boycotting the assembly, and as a result, Northern Ireland has not had a government for nearly a year.
The deadline to resume power-sharing has been missed, and as a result, new elections are required by law within 12 weeks.
George Parker, Peter Foster, Andy Bounds, and Jude Webber, Financial Times (February 1, 2023): Leaks pose danger to UK-EU deal on N Ireland trading regime, says Brussels
Christopher Caldwell, New York Times (January 26, 2023): It’s Anyone’s Guess What Will Happen in Northern Ireland in the Next 12 Weeks
Europe Elections Coming Up in 2023
Several European countries hold elections that determine who runs the government: Cyprus (fun fact: Cyprus is the EU’s only full presidential system), Monaco, Estonia, Andorra, Finland, Greece, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Poland, and Spain.
In addition, Montenegro and Slovakia appear on track to hold snap elections. And Bulgaria could hold its fourth general election in three years.
Moreover, a number of other countries in Europe could hold snap elections at short notice – it happens.
Slovakia Referendum on Early Elections: January 21, 2023
Czech Republic Presidential Runoff: January 27-28, 2023
Austria, Lower Austria State Elections: January 29, 2023
Cyprus Presidential Election: February 5, 2023
Monaco Parliamentary Elections: February 5, 2023
Cyprus Presidential Runoff: February 12, 2023
Germany, Berlin State Elections: February 12, 2023
Italy, Lazio and Lombardy Regional Elections: February 12, 2023
Estonia General Elections: March 5, 2023
albniaLithuania Local Elections: March 5, 2023
Liechtenstein Local Elections: March 5, 2023
Austria, Carinthia State Elections: March 5, 2023
Netherlands Provincial Council and Water Authority Elections: March 15, 2023
Montenegro Presidential Election: March 19, 2023 (snap parliamentary elections possible)
Finland General Elections: April 2, 2023
Bulgaria Snap Parliamentary Elections: April 2, 2023 (fifth election in two years)
Andorra Parliamentary Elections: April 2, 2023
Austria, Salzburg State Elections: April 23, 2023
Kosovo Partial Local Elections: April 23, 2023
United Kingdom, Local Elections in Some Parts of England: May 4, 2023
Albania Local Elections: May 14, 2023
Germany, Bremen State Elections and Local Elections in Schleswig-Holstein: May 14, 2023
United Kingdom, Local Elections in Northern Ireland: May 18, 2023
Spain Local Elections and Various Regional Elections: May 28, 2023
Latvia Indirect Presidential Election (by parliament): May 2023 (due)
Greece Local Elections: May 2023 (due)
Luxembourg Local Elections: June 11, 2023
Spain, Regional Elections in Various Regions: June 25, 2023
Greece Parliamentary Elections: July 2023 (due)
Norway Local Elections: September 11, 2023
Slovakia Snap Parliamentary Elections: September 30, 2023 (proposed – requires parliament to change constitution to allow)
Germany, Hesse and Bavaria State Elections: October 8, 2023
Luxembourg General Elections: October 8, 2023
Switzerland Federal Parliamentary Elections: October 22, 2023
Bulgaria Local Elections: October 2023 (due)
Finland, Åland Elections: October 2023 (due)
Portugal, Regional Elections in Madeira: October 2023 (due)
Poland Parliamentary and Local Elections (due – earlier elections possible): November 11, 2023
Spain General Elections: December 10, 2023 (due – early elections possible)
Switzerland Indirect Presidential Election (by parliament): December 12, 2023
Andorra Local Elections: December 2023 (due)
21votes does not necessarily agree with all of the opinions expressed in the linked articles; rather, our goal is to curate a wide range of voices. Furthermore, none of the individuals or organizations referenced have reviewed 21votes’ content. That is to say, their inclusion should not be taken to imply that they endorse us in any way. More on our approach here.
Europe This Week: February 1, 2023
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Last Updated: February 23, 2023 by 21votes
February 1, 2023
A weekly review of news and analysis of elections in Europe, usually posted on Wednesdays and occasionally updated throughout the week.
Upcoming Europe Elections
Germany, Berlin State Elections: February 12, 2023, followed by other state elections later this year
Julia Dahm, Euractiv (February 1, 2023): Conservative CDU leads polls as top court OKs Berlin election re-run
DW (January 31, 2023): Berlin repeat election to go ahead, says Germany’s top court
Greece Parliamentary Elections: By July 2023
Euractiv (February 1, 2023): MEP calls for ‘clarity’ on Greek Watergate before elections
Euronews with AP (January 28, 2023): Greek government survives vote of no-confidence in run-up to the elections
Begum Donmez Ersoz, Voice of America (January 27, 2023): US Weighs Turkey, Greece Jet Sales Amid NATO Expansion
Fitch Ratings (January 27, 2023): Fitch Upgrades Greece to ‘BB+’; Outlook Stable
Slovakia Snap Parliamentary Elections: September 30, 2023 (proposed – requires parliament to change constitution to allow)
A center-right, broadly Atlanticist coalition unseated Slovakia’s left-wing populist government in 2020, but the coalition has had trouble staying together. The opposition has been pushing for snap elections and parliament has agreed to change the law to allow them to be held.
Geopolitical impact: If former PM Robert Fico wins the elections and gets back in office, he could change Slovakia’s position toward Ukraine. Slovakia currently backs Kyiv, but Fico opposes sending weapons and has become even more pro-Russia in his time out of office.
Marián Koreň, Euractiv (February 1, 2023): Slovak’s EU-skeptic parties lead in polls ahead of autumn elections
Reuters (January 31, 2023): Slovakia will hold early election in Sept, pro-Ukraine stance at stake
Spain General Elections: December 10, 2023 (due – early elections possible)
Fernando Heller, Euractiv (January 31, 2023): Spanish inflation at highest in 35 years after state subsidies end
Reuters (January 31, 2023): Spain to raise minimum wage by 8% as elections loom
Poland Parliamentary and Local Elections (due – earlier elections possible): November 11, 2023
Bloomberg (January 30, 2023): Polish Economy Slows as War in Ukraine and Rate Hikes Hit Growth
Reuters (January 27, 2023): Polish parliament passes new election rules ahead of 2023 vote
Past Europe Elections
Austria, State Elections in Lower Austria: January 29, 2023
The center-right ÖVP lost its absolute majority in the January 29 state election in Lower Austria as right-wing populist FPÖ makes gains.
This is a bad omen for ÖVP (which currently heads the federal government in coalition with the Greens) ahead of general elections next year. Lower Austria is an ÖVP stronghold, and the home region of many of the party’s leaders.
Nikolaus J. Kurmayer at Euractiv notes: “The FPÖ itself is the clear winner of the state election, with gains of more than 10%, receiving about 25% of the vote. The party now looks poised to take home the 2024 Austrian federal election.”
Nikolaus J. Kurmayer, Euractiv (January 30, 2023): Austrian conservatives suffer historic electoral defeat
Emily Schultheis, AP (February 1, 2023): Austria’s far-right Freedom Party regains national momentum
Jonathan Tirone, Bloomberg (January 29, 2023): Austrian Ruling Party Loses Ground in Key Regional Election
Czech Republic Presidential Runoff: January 27-28, 2023
Retired general Petr Pavel defeated controversial former prime minister Andrej Babiš in the Czech Republic’s presidential runoff in January. Incumbent Milos Zeman, who has been in power for 10 years and did not run for re-election, built closer ties with Russia and China.
Pavel, a former chairman of the NATO Military Committee, favors pro-West policies, while populist Babiš has criticized support for Ukraine and the EU more generally.
Raphael Minder, Financial Times (February 1, 2023): Czech president-elect says west must accept China is ‘not friendly’: Petr Pavel challenges Beijing by becoming Europe’s first elected head of state to speak to Taiwanese president
BBC (January 31, 2023): Petr Pavel: Ukraine deserves to join Nato, says new Czech leader
Adam Magyar, Euronews (January 29, 2023): Record turnout as Pavel sweeps to victory in Czech Republic’s presidential elections
Ladka Bauerova and Emily Rauhala, Washington Post (January 28, 2023): Retired Gen. Pavel defeats billionaire Babis in Czech election
Ketrin Jochecová, Politico (January 27, 2023): Babiš plays on fears of war with Russia in long-shot Czech presidency bid
United Kingdom Local Elections, including Northern Ireland Assembly: May 5, 2022
The United Kingdom held local elections for some local councils, as well as the Northern Ireland Assembly, on May 5.
Northern Ireland’s nationalist Sinn Féin became the biggest party in the Assembly following these elections. However, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has been boycotting the assembly, and as a result, Northern Ireland has not had a government for nearly a year.
The deadline to resume power-sharing has been missed, and as a result, new elections are required by law within 12 weeks.
George Parker, Peter Foster, Andy Bounds, and Jude Webber, Financial Times (February 1, 2023): Leaks pose danger to UK-EU deal on N Ireland trading regime, says Brussels
Christopher Caldwell, New York Times (January 26, 2023): It’s Anyone’s Guess What Will Happen in Northern Ireland in the Next 12 Weeks
Europe Elections Coming Up in 2023
Several European countries hold elections that determine who runs the government: Cyprus (fun fact: Cyprus is the EU’s only full presidential system), Monaco, Estonia, Andorra, Finland, Greece, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Poland, and Spain.
In addition, Montenegro and Slovakia appear on track to hold snap elections. And Bulgaria could hold its fourth general election in three years.
Moreover, a number of other countries in Europe could hold snap elections at short notice – it happens.
Slovakia Referendum on Early Elections: January 21, 2023
Czech Republic Presidential Runoff: January 27-28, 2023
Austria, Lower Austria State Elections: January 29, 2023
Cyprus Presidential Election: February 5, 2023
Monaco Parliamentary Elections: February 5, 2023
Cyprus Presidential Runoff: February 12, 2023
Germany, Berlin State Elections: February 12, 2023
Italy, Lazio and Lombardy Regional Elections: February 12, 2023
Estonia General Elections: March 5, 2023
albniaLithuania Local Elections: March 5, 2023
Liechtenstein Local Elections: March 5, 2023
Austria, Carinthia State Elections: March 5, 2023
Netherlands Provincial Council and Water Authority Elections: March 15, 2023
Montenegro Presidential Election: March 19, 2023 (snap parliamentary elections possible)
Finland General Elections: April 2, 2023
Bulgaria Snap Parliamentary Elections: April 2, 2023 (fifth election in two years)
Andorra Parliamentary Elections: April 2, 2023
Austria, Salzburg State Elections: April 23, 2023
Kosovo Partial Local Elections: April 23, 2023
United Kingdom, Local Elections in Some Parts of England: May 4, 2023
Albania Local Elections: May 14, 2023
Germany, Bremen State Elections and Local Elections in Schleswig-Holstein: May 14, 2023
United Kingdom, Local Elections in Northern Ireland: May 18, 2023
Spain Local Elections and Various Regional Elections: May 28, 2023
Latvia Indirect Presidential Election (by parliament): May 2023 (due)
Greece Local Elections: May 2023 (due)
Luxembourg Local Elections: June 11, 2023
Spain, Regional Elections in Various Regions: June 25, 2023
Greece Parliamentary Elections: July 2023 (due)
Norway Local Elections: September 11, 2023
Slovakia Snap Parliamentary Elections: September 30, 2023 (proposed – requires parliament to change constitution to allow)
Germany, Hesse and Bavaria State Elections: October 8, 2023
Luxembourg General Elections: October 8, 2023
Switzerland Federal Parliamentary Elections: October 22, 2023
Bulgaria Local Elections: October 2023 (due)
Finland, Åland Elections: October 2023 (due)
Portugal, Regional Elections in Madeira: October 2023 (due)
Poland Parliamentary and Local Elections (due – earlier elections possible): November 11, 2023
Spain General Elections: December 10, 2023 (due – early elections possible)
Switzerland Indirect Presidential Election (by parliament): December 12, 2023
Andorra Local Elections: December 2023 (due)
21votes does not necessarily agree with all of the opinions expressed in the linked articles; rather, our goal is to curate a wide range of voices. Furthermore, none of the individuals or organizations referenced have reviewed 21votes’ content. That is to say, their inclusion should not be taken to imply that they endorse us in any way. More on our approach here.
Category: This Week Tags: Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, United Kingdom