EU Elections 2009: Conservatives gain ground

Brussels, Jun 8: The Conservatives defeated Socialists in the Europe's parliamentary elections as the left failed to strike a cord with its people on the significant issues like recession.

While the Socialists who were in power in the Britain, Spain and Portugal were drubbed by their opponents; the left parties who were in opposition of the Germany and France suffered losses.

According to official estimates, the centre-right European People's Party (EPP) bagged 267-271 seats, forming the majority in the 736-member assembly, while the Socialists secured 157-161 seats. The liberal democrats was in the thried position with 80-82 seats followed by the Greens with 53 seats.

Voter turnout dipped a low of 43.4 percent, down from 45.5 percent in 2004.

Stung by the election losses, the Pound slumped. Sterling fell on Monday, Jun 8 hitting its lowest in two weeks.

OneIndia News