Identity and Democracy Group

Identity and Democracy Group
Name	Identity and Democracy Group
Abbreviation	ID
Founded	2019
Ideology	Right-wing populism; national conservatism; Euroscepticism
Position	Right-wing to far-right
European parliament group	European Parliament
Member parties	League; National Rally; Alternative for Germany; Freedom Party of Austria; Vlaams Belang; Lega; France; Germany; Austria; Belgium; Italy

Identity and Democracy Group The Identity and Democracy Group is a right-wing political group in the European Parliament formed in 2019. It brings together nationalist, populist, and Eurosceptic parties from across France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, and other member states to coordinate positions on European Union policy, immigration, sovereignty, and cultural issues. The group succeeded earlier coalitions formed after the 2014 European Parliament elections and interacts with institutions such as the European Commission, European Council, and national legislatures.

History

The group's roots trace to alignments after the 2014 European Parliament elections among parties like the National Rally of France, the Lega Nord of Italy, and the Freedom Party of Austria. Key milestones include formation discussions following the 2019 European Parliament elections, negotiations involving delegations from Alternative for Germany, Vlaams Belang, and others, and formal registration as a parliamentary group under rules governed by the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Preceding formations included alliances connected to the Europe of Nations and Freedom and the European Conservatives and Reformists groups, with personalities tied to events such as the 2017 French presidential election and the 2018 Italian general election shaping trajectories. The group’s creation followed debates over funding, committee assignments in the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs and Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, and media coverage in outlets like Euronews and Politico Europe.

Ideology and Political Positions

Member parties espouse variants of national conservatism, right-wing populism, and Euroscepticism informed by figures such as Matteo Salvini, Marine Le Pen, Heinz-Christian Strache, and Alice Weidel. Policy stances emphasize national sovereignty in relation to the Lisbon Treaty, stricter immigration controls referencing incidents like the 2015 European migrant crisis, protectionist approaches to trade contrasting with positions of the European Central Bank and supporters of the Single Market, and critiques of European integration advanced by pro-EU leaders such as Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron. On security, the group advocates tougher approaches aligned with debates involving NATO and bilateral arrangements with states such as Russia and Turkey. Cultural positions often invoke national identity debates tied to events like the 2005 French riots and controversies surrounding multiculturalism promoted by commentators like Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage. Economic policies range from protectionism to welfare chauvinism, intersecting with national debates involving the International Monetary Fund and the European Stability Mechanism.

Membership and Composition

The group comprises Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) drawn from parties including National Rally, Lega Nord, Alternative for Germany, Freedom Party of Austria, Vlaams Belang, and regional parties from countries such as Poland, Hungary, Sweden, Finland, and Czech Republic. Individual MEPs with high profiles include names linked to national parliaments like the Italian Chamber of Deputies and the Assemblée nationale (France). The coalition reflects fractures and realignments among parties such as Fidesz and interactions with splinter groups from formations like UKIP prior to the Brexit referendum. Membership has fluctuated with national electoral cycles including the 2019 European Parliament election and subsequent national votes like the 2019 Italian regional elections.

Organization and Leadership

The group’s internal structure involves a presidency, coordinating committee, and spokespeople who represent the coalition in plenary negotiations with leaders of the European Parliament such as the President of the European Parliament and committee chairs. Leadership figures have included prominent national politicians drawn from parties like Lega Nord and National Rally, operating alongside staff experienced in interfacing with institutions such as the European Council and the European Commission. The group maintains delegation offices in Brussels and Strasbourg to manage relations with parliamentary services, engage with NGOs, and coordinate legislative amendments across dossiers like the Migration and Asylum Pact and digital regulation files debated with the European Data Protection Supervisor.

Electoral Performance and Influence

Electoral outcomes for constituent parties vary: strong showings by parties like National Rally in the 2019 European Parliament election and by Lega in national contests have bolstered the group’s seat share, while setbacks in elections such as the 2021 German federal election affected delegations from parties like Alternative for Germany. Influence manifests through co-signing amendments, blocking resolutions, and negotiating compromises on files involving the Schengen Area, Common Foreign and Security Policy, and budgetary matters tied to the Multiannual Financial Framework. The group’s voting cohesion impacts committee reports and plenary votes, shaping debates over appointments to positions such as European Commissioner and policy dossiers handled by commissioners like Olaf Scholz-era figures.

Controversies and Criticism

Critics cite associations with leaders and parties embroiled in scandals such as allegations involving Heinz-Christian Strache and controversies around rhetoric by figures linked to National Rally and Alternative for Germany. Accusations include fostering xenophobia, undermining minority rights as discussed in cases before the European Court of Human Rights, and alleged ties to external actors like Vladimir Putin-aligned networks. Human rights organizations including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have publicly criticized member parties’ platforms, while legal challenges and parliamentary ethics inquiries have targeted individual MEPs over conduct. Debates in forums such as the European Parliament plenary and media outlets like BBC News and Le Monde have amplified scrutiny, prompting internal disputes over membership criteria and cooperation with other parliamentary groups.

Category:European Parliament political groups