Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
It’s two years until the next US election, but already column inches around the world are filling up with speculation about those vying to replace Barack Obama.
But, even though Europeans have to wait mere months to go to the polls, you would be hard-pressed to find anyone outside of Brussels arguing over the merits of the “Spitzenkandidat”.
This is the system whereby the political blocs of the European Parliament can name their candidate for President of the European Commission. The person then becomes the figurehead in campaigning for the 22-25 May polls.
The former Belgian Prime Minister, Guy Verhofstadt, will lead the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe. Finn Olli Rehn, the EU Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner, will run with him in what Mr Rehn calls “a dynamic duo” for the liberal movement.
When the Green Party held an open primary to choose its candidate in an election for which 400 million Europeans over the age of 16 can vote, only 22,676 people went online in a poll that nominated the French anti-globalisation activist, José Bové. He led an anti-fracking rally in Balcombe, West Sussex last month and afterwards summed up the general malaise: “It has to be said: Europe is not coming to the party.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments