The government is expected to make an announcement regarding a new policy. - The Europe Minister expresses optimism for a higher voter turnout in the upcoming EU elections.
The Counsellor of State and European Minister for Hesse, Manfred Pentz (CDU), expects a higher voter turnout in the EU elections than in the past. Citing the Russian war of aggression, he believes that the stakes are much higher this time around. Mr. Pentz is determined to ensure that the far-right or left-wing radicals do not receive a substantial share of the votes.
The Statistical Office in Hesse reports that in the last European Parliament election in 2019, only 58.4% of the state's 4.4 million eligible voters participated. Five years earlier, in 2014, the voter turnout was as low as 42.2%.
"The citizens of Hesse gain immensely from Europe," Pentz emphasized, citing the wealth and the single market as primary benefits. "Our region wouldn't be as prosperous, like the Rhine-Main area, if we weren't so closely tied to Europe." He added that over 70% of Hesse's exports are destined for the European market, and many jobs rely on European prosperity.
Despite expressing his grief over the UK's exit from the European Union, Mr. Pentz indicated that this has propelled Frankfurt, Hesse, and Germany into a new spotlight. In the financial sector, Frankfurt has become the go-to location for major international players. The recent decision to establish the EU's Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) in Frankfurt showcases the city as a financial hub of the continent. 'We are right in the heart of Europe,' stated Pentz, 'We are the link to Central and Eastern Europe.' For companies in Japan, Frankfurt rivals as the 'capital' for investing in Europe.
Pentz cautioned that people should not overlook the advantages of the European Union. The internal market, the peace and security union are not automatic; they need to be maintained and nurtured. "We now have the opportunity to contribute to preserving and enhancing these achievements by voting on June 9th," he stated.
There are approximately 4.85 million eligible voters in Hesse for the upcoming European elections. For the first time, 16- and 17-year-olds can participate in the voting process.
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Manfred Pentz, the Counsellor of State and European Minister for Hesse, believes that due to the Russian war of aggression, voter turnout in the EU elections in Hesse could exceed previous levels. Pentz, a member of the CDU, wants to prevent far-right or left-wing radicals from garnering significant support. According to the German Press Agency, the voter turnout in the 2019 EU elections in Hesse was only 58.4%, significantly lower than the 42.2% in 2014.
Hesse stands to benefit significantly from Europe, with Manfred Pentz citing the wealth and single market as key advantages. Over 70% of Hesse's exports are intended for the European market, and many jobs rely on European prosperity. Despite the UK's exit from the EU, Frankfurt has gained prominence, becoming a preferred location for international players in the financial sector and hosting the EU's Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA).
As the upcoming EU elections approach, Manfred Pentz urges Europeans to recognize and value the EU's accomplishments. Highlighting the importance of the internal market and peace and security union, he encourages people to cast their votes on June 9th. Approximately 4.85 million eligible voters are set to participate in the elections, including 16- and 17-year-olds who will be voting for the first time.
