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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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5

27 Nations Vote in Massive EU Election

Across continent, angry voters set to punish ruling parties

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(Newser) – Citizens of 27 nations begin voting today for elections to the European Parliament, and across the continent voters are expected to punish ruling parties and encourage the opposition, including the extreme right. From Ireland to France to Hungary, governments are braced for a protest vote spurred by the economic meltdown, reports the Wall Street Journal. The most closely watched result will be in Britain—where a poor showing for the Labour Party could force Gordon Brown out of office.

Despite the growing power of the 736-seat Brussels legislature, turnout is normally low for European elections, which begin today and end on Sunday. Besides Britain, another closely watched result will come from Germany, where the European vote may hint at Angela Merkel's reelection chances this September. Polls have predicted a breakthrough across Europe for populist right-wing parties, including that of Geert Wilders, the Dutch MP whose anti-Islam film caused an uproar last year.

Gordon Brown, the British prime minister, ahead of European elections that are being held from today to Sunday.
Gordon Brown, the British prime minister, ahead of European elections that are being held from today to Sunday.   (AP Photo/John Stillwell, pool)
Two European Union election observers watch as an election worker casts her ballot in early voting in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, June 4, 2009. About 11,000 election workers were expected to vote ahead of Sunday's parliamentary elections that could be crucial in deciding Lebanon's political course for the next four...
Two European Union election observers watch as an election worker casts her ballot in early voting in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, June 4, 2009. About 11,000 election workers were expected to vote ahead...   (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)
Hans Gert Poettering delivers his last statement as president of the EU parliament, Wednesday May 6, 2009 in Strasbourg, eastern France, during the final session before June's European elections.
Hans Gert Poettering delivers his last statement as president of the EU parliament, Wednesday May 6, 2009 in Strasbourg, eastern France, during the final session before June's European elections.   (AP Photo/Christian Lutz)
German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives for a cabinet meeting in Berlin, Wednesday, June 3, 2009.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives for a cabinet meeting in Berlin, Wednesday, June 3, 2009.   (AP Photo/Fritz Reiss)
A small dog waits as its owner votes for the European elections, at a church in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday June 4, 2009.
A small dog waits as its owner votes for the European elections, at a church in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday June 4, 2009.   (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
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5 comments
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indigo-soul
Jun 4, 09 7:46 AM CDT
Hopefully Europe will gain some senses and elect some people that will kick the muslim slime out of Europe once again. Reply
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-4
chasmokasperski
Jun 4, 09 8:44 AM CDT
whoa, that's a little rough indigo. Plus, if you look at the former Yugoslavia; you would see Muslims have continuously been in Europe for centuries. Ebony and ivory baby, the only way is peace through acceptance. [Posted by a white Christian man] Reply
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+2
Nwambe
Jun 4, 09 9:32 AM CDT
In fairness, the Silk Road, algebra and calculus, and basic human anatomy were all brought to Europe by Islam. Wouldn't it be nice if you could keep thjat in mind, indigo-soul? Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
indigo-soul
Jun 4, 09 4:23 PM CDT
If the arab world is the big fountainhead of ingenuity and creativity which you make it seem why don't they stay there? Oh that's right. Because it's not. The West is.
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IN RESPONSE:
Robert_Dada
Jun 4, 09 6:17 PM CDT
Hopefully Johnny Walker is walking far away from you indigo.
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+1
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