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“Идентичность и демократия”: формирование, функционирование, раскол
This article examines the 2024 split of the Identity and Democracy (ID) into two new right-wing Eurosceptic factions within the European Parliament (EP): "Patriots for Europe" and "Europe of Sovereign Nations". It examines the underlying causes for the split, evaluates the formation and functioning of right-wing Eurosceptic groups in the EP, and assesses the prospects of these new entities. Using systemic and comparative analyses, the study identifies key conditions shaping these groups. The findings indicate that "Patriots for Europe" is a direct continuation of ID in the current parliamentary session, while "Europe of Sovereign Nations" emerged as a new group centered around the "Alternative for Germany" political party (AfD). The split was driven by the internal scandals and accusations against AfD, alongside strategic positioning by ID’s leader, the French National Rally, which aims to form a more moderate faction. While Patriots for Europe appears stable, concerns remain regarding the sustainability of Europe of Sovereign Nations, given its limited membership – primarily AfD – and constraints imposed by degressive proportionality and EP rules. The insights provided can inform predictions about the development and viability of emerging political groups within the European Parliament.