The Make Europe Great Again (MEGA) movement is gaining momentum across Europe, drawing parallels to its American counterpart, Make America Great Again (MAGA). This burgeoning ideology, rooted in nationalism and Euroscepticism, is particularly championed by leaders such as Matteo Salvini, Viktor Orbán, and Giorgia Meloni.
As the political landscape shifts following the 2024 European Parliament elections, MEGA is poised to significantly influence the future of the European Union.
Origins and Ideological Underpinnings
The MEGA movement has its roots in a growing discontent with the European Union’s policies, particularly regarding immigration and national sovereignty. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán notably popularized the slogan during Hungary’s Council of the European Union presidency in 2024.
It encapsulates a desire among specific population segments to return to Europe’s perceived former glory, reflecting fears over cultural dilution due to immigration from Africa and Asia.
This movement is not monolithic; it comprises various nationalistic and populist ideas that have coalesced around a common slogan. The rise of MEGA reflects broader trends in Euroscepticism, with countries like Poland, Italy, and Hungary witnessing increasing support for parties prioritising national interests over EU integration.
Key Figures and Their Parties
Matteo Salvini – Lega
Salvini’s Lega party has transitioned from a regionalist focus to a national platform advocating strict immigration controls and economic protectionism. His party recently joined Orbán’s Patriots for Europe group in the European Parliament, signaling a strategic alliance among right-wing populists.
Viktor Orbán – Fidesz
Orbán’s Fidesz party is at the forefront of the MEGA movement, promoting a strong nationalist agenda emphasising Hungarian sovereignty. Under his leadership, Fidesz has also joined the Patriots for Europe group, aiming to consolidate right-wing forces within the EU.
Giorgia Meloni – Brothers of Italy
As the leader of the Brothers of Italy, Meloni advocates for traditional values and national identity. Her party is part of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group in the European Parliament, which focuses on conservative policies and Euroscepticism.
The Political Landscape Post-2024 Elections
The 2024 European Parliament elections marked a significant shift towards right-wing populism, with anti-EU parties making substantial gains.
187 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from hard-right parties now hold approximately 25% of parliamentary seats, an unprecedented level of representation for such factions.
The newly formed Patriots for Europe group includes Salvini’s Lega and Orbán’s Fidesz, positioning itself as a key player in shaping EU policy in the future. Meanwhile, Meloni’s Brothers of Italy continues to gain traction within the ECR group, further solidifying the presence of nationalist sentiments in Brussels.
The Rise of Călin Georgescu in Romania: Perfect Example of MEGA in Eastern Europe
Another significant development emerged in Romania with the election of Călin Georgescu, an independent candidate with ties to the nationalist movement known as the Alliance for Union of Romanians (AUR).
Georgescu surprised many by securing approximately 23% of the vote in the first round of Romania’s presidential elections held on November 24, 2024. His platform emphasizes small-scale organic farming, Christian principles, and national independence—echoing sentiments similar to those found in MEGA.
Georgescu’s campaign effectively leveraged social media, particularly TikTok, where he garnered significant attention and support from younger voters disillusioned with traditional political parties. His message resonated with those seeking a candidate who promises to restore Romania’s dignity while criticizing NATO and EU policies that he perceives as undermining Romanian sovereignty.
Despite lacking formal party backing during his campaign—having previously been associated with AUR—Georgescu’s rise reflects a broader trend within Eastern Europe where nationalist sentiments are gaining traction amid dissatisfaction with established political structures.
Implications for the European Union
The rise of MEGA poses challenges to the foundational principles of unity and cooperation that underpin the EU. Critics argue that adopting a slogan reminiscent of Trump’s MAGA signals a shift towards insular and protectionist policies that could undermine collective efforts to address issues like climate change and migration.
As Eurosceptic sentiments grow stronger across member states, there are concerns about increasing fragmentation within the EU. Countries like Italy have already begun tightening border controls in response to rising public support for far-right parties advocating stricter immigration policies.
The MEGA movement represents a significant shift in Europe’s political landscape, highlighting a growing appetite for nationalism and scepticism towards EU governance. With leaders like Salvini, Orbán, and Meloni and emerging figures like Georgescu at its helm, this coalition is likely to shape future debates on sovereignty, immigration, and economic policy within Europe.
As these parties consolidate their power in the European Parliament through groups like Patriots for Europe and ECR, their influence will be felt not only in national capitals but also across Brussels—a development that could redefine the future trajectory of the European Union itself.
![](https://valahia.news/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/enjoy-romania-experirence.jpg")
