As the seemingly never-ending year draws to a close, it’s hard to believe that 2024 is already upon us. The United Nations has dubbed it the “super year” of elections — a fitting title, considering that 3.7 billion voters across 72 countries are heading to the polls. The organization hailed this massive wave of participation as a boost for democracy and good governance, though that interpretation feels a tad optimistic.
In Europe, the electoral frenzy began with a dose of confusion. Who or what, exactly, is a Spitzenkandidat? And were we really supposed to be well-versed in the political exploits of Nicolas Schmit? Thankfully, these were questions we didn’t need to spend much time pondering. After all, Ursula von der Leyen — officially rebranded as Her Royal Highness and Empress of Europe (we double-checked) — has secured a second term as president of the European Commission.
Von der Leyen’s return to power marked a noticeable rightward shift in European politics, sometimes careening into far-right territory. Among her new political allies is Italy’s right-wing prime minister, Giorgia Meloni. Meanwhile, the European Parliament’s June elections brought in some unconventional newcomers like far-right influencer Alvise Pérez, YouTuber Fidias Panayiotou, and diva of eccentricities Diana Șoșoacă, who’s apparently developed a passion for muzzles. Quite the ensemble.
Of course, with global attention fixated on von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron needed to divert some of the spotlight back to himself. After suffering a humiliating defeat in the European Parliament elections, Macron staged a dramatic comeback, plunging France into political turbulence with a snap parliamentary election. The results? A fiery political crisis at home — one that still dominates headlines and ensures von der Leyen doesn’t get all the glory.
Across the Channel, the British decided to throw their hat back in the democracy ring. Between France’s two rounds of election drama, the UK chose Keir Starmer — someone widely regarded as the single most unexciting man in politics — to lead them into a new era. If stability is what they were looking for, they certainly found it.
On the other side of the Atlantic, the United States decided to close out the year with its own political spectacle. Donald Trump made his dramatic return, and Europe is already holding its breath. Concerns are swirling that Trump 2.0 could threaten NATO, ignite a trade war, or gift a portion of Ukraine to his old friend Vladimir Putin. Yet, amidst the chaos, there is one silver lining: as the former president quipped during a rally, after this election, his supporters will “never have to vote again.” Reassuring, isn’t it?
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