In June, 500 Million people all around the European Union will vote in the European Parliament elections. The elections will be useful to ascertain if the centre-left are gaining ground during the economic crisis. Already some polls are suggesting they may not be benefitting from the crisis, and may end up losing seats. However Agence Europe reports that the centre-left may actually gain a percent support from the voting public. The overall balance of power in the new parliament, however, is likley to remain with the centre-right.
The Financial Times (as they probably would) suggests that there is a broader problem with the left being unable to capture the public mood and suggests there is a deep suspicion with the left wing because of previous profligate spending. Perhaps, but, to use the most hackneyed expression, a week is a long time in politics, and 2 months is an eternity!