> recreational politics
This. Fringe parties tend to do much better in EP elections than in national elections.
This. Fringe parties tend to do much better in EP elections than in national elections.
Also, MEPs are often elected differently allowing otherwise unlikely or fringe candidates to succeed.
And, parties/people just don't treap. EP seriously. Everyone knows it's a clownshow. Treat it that way. EP can't have more power because clownshow. Cycle.
It's a perfect 19th century steryotype of upper house (Council) and lower house (EP). One is a club. The other is a square. Public square, atm, are a hard place to do anything but show off and fight.