Right-wing parties poised to bring climate scepticism to European parliament, with Germany鈥檚 AfD leading the way
Der Spiegel
Right-wing populist parties could make major gains in the coming European elections, with many of them bringing a new climate scepticism to the chamber and making it harder to pass ambitious climate policies, . Parties such as Germany鈥檚 Alternative f眉r Deutschland (AfD), Italy鈥檚 Lega and France鈥檚 Rassemblement National (formerly Front National) are all expected to make gains in the May vote, and all have resisted policies aimed at transitioning Europe away from fossil fuels, Spiegel reports.
Among Europe鈥檚 populist parties, Germany鈥檚 AfD stands out for its opposition to climate action, Vera Deleja-Hotko, , citing from Berlin-based climate think-tank adelphi. "No other party, with the exception of the British Ukip, denies man-made climate change as vehemently as the AfD,鈥� Stella Schaller, one of the report鈥檚 authors, tells Spiegel.
The AfD has become increasingly vocal about its climate scepticism. Originally founded as a Euroskeptic party, the AfD came to prominence for its stance opposing immigration. Now, as the party is gearing up for European elections in May and regional elections in the fall, it is adding climate scepticism as its third major plank, arguing that climate policy not only threatens the German car industry but will also raise taxes and make driving more difficult and expensive. "We'd be stupid if we didn't make it a topic,鈥� party leader J枚rg Meuthen tells Spiegel. "As a politician, you have to pick up issues that worry people.鈥�
