Strong Momentum for EU Skeptics

January 26, 2004

STOCKHOLM – Forty-two percent of Swedish voters polled by Gallup over the weekend believe that a new party is needed to oppose the wholesale transfer of political power from individual states to the European Union. Twenty-seven percent were undecided.

The poll shows strong interest in the plan to build a new EU skeptics party, the brain-child of Swedish economist Nils Lundgren. Support for a new party is somewhat stronger among men and the poll also shows increasing skepticism of the EU among older voters.

One quarter of voters currently say they would consider voting for a party of EU skeptics in the  European parliamentary election in June, according to the poll that was conducted for TV4 News and Expressen. Thirty-two percent were undecided

Forty-five percent say that their view of the EU has worsened since rejecting membership in the European Monetary Union; the EMU in a referendum last year. Thirty percent were undecided and eleven percent gave no answer to this last question.

Since announcing plans to build a new party, Mr. Lundgren has had difficulty recruiting seasoned politicians from amongst those who led opposition to membership in the EMU. Joining the new party would mean leaving parties that are well established.

Established politicians have announced plans to effect their own parties' platforms. A key question is whether future proposals for an EU constitution will be submitted to the people in a referendum rather than leaving such a momentous decision to politicians.