Many candidates won elections in the European Parliament even without a basic knowledge of the office they ran for. Their names just happened to be down on the party list (Parties produce a list of candidates and electors vote for the party not the people- except in the case of independents). In any case,individuals who seek elective posts should really have studied before running for office, and not after winning the elections.

Out of 73 MEPs, Italy counts 56 new MEPs (76.7%). Only 17 MEPs have been re-elected. Here below is the alphabetical listing and the parties they belong to:

Out of 74 MEPs, France counts 36 new MEPs (48.6%)- 38 MEPs have been re-elected. Here below is their alphabetical listing and the parties they belong to.

Out of 73 MEPs, the United Kingdom counts 34 New MEPs (46.6%)- 39 MEPs have been re-elected. Here below is the alphabetical listing and the party they belong to.

Out of 96 MEPs, Germany counts 29 New MEPs (30%)- 67 MEPs have been re-elected. Here below is the alphabetical listing and the party they belong to.

The Centre for European Reform has outlined 35 practical, feasible reform ideas that, if properly implemented, would make a better EU and would win widespread support across the member states.

Reforms not requiring treaty change

Voters across the EU have elected the most fragmented European parliament ever - a move which will have a lasting and profound effect on how member states, will relate to Europe. The results, in the context of years of economic recession, unemployment and lack of growth, represent a major challenge for the main stream parties to overcome. Centrist parties have seen their representation shrink. This newly elected parliament will be home to a strong nationalist movement which may stall progress and delay consensus.

Salary

All MEPs receive a monthly pre-tax salary of €7,957 (€ 95,484 per year). They pay EU tax and accident insurance contributions, after which the monthly salary is €6,201.  MEPs’ basic salary is set at 38.5% of the salary of a judge at the European Court of Justice. The MEPs pension fund is non-contributory. All payments are made from the Parliament’s budget and none are deducted from the salary of MEPs. The salary package includes life and accident insurance, medical insurance, and payments towards language and computer tuition (if ever used).

Argumentaire du FN tiré de son site:

Madam,

We take note of the record victory of your party in the European elections in France.