Socialists to Lead European Parliament Elections - Poll

The Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group is likely to win the most European Parliament seats in May's elections, according to a recent poll.

The data of PollWatch2014 predicts the Socialists would gain up to 29.4% of the vote, based on a survey throughout the 28 member states.

In terms of EP seats, this means S&D would get 221, while the European People's Party (EPP) would get 202, thus losing its current majority.

The researchers remain cautious in their predictions, however, saying that support for the EPP and S&D "depends significantly on the fortunes of a small number of large parties in Germany, France and Italy, which have tended to swing over the past years due to the financial and economic crisis", EurActiv reveals.

"The poll shows a prediction at a time when the largest political party - us - has not selected a candidate yet. It gives a snapshot at a time when the campaign hasn't started. Our internal polls also have us in a clear lead", said EPP spokesman Kostas Sasmatzoglou.

The poll predicts that the Alliance of Liberals (ALDE) will remain a third power, but with less seats than it currently has. ALDE is expected to take 64 seats.

Meanwhile, the far-left GUE/NGL is likely to make a breakthrough, grabbing 21 seats more than it currently holds.

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