Anti-EU Sentiment Increases as Britons Demand Exit, Poll Shows

(Bloomberg) Rising anti-European Union sentiment and the threat that Britain will quit the bloc may boost nationalist candidates in next year’s European Parliament elections, a poll showed.

Pluralities in six countries said things are going in the “wrong direction” in the EU, with a majority in the U.K. favoring a pullout from the bloc if a referendum were held now, Gallup Europe said.

EU Parliament balloting in May 2014 risks “the strong mobilization of voters in favor of radical nationalist and anti-EU parties, which could result in a drastic change in the landscape of European democracy,” Gallup Europe said in a statement in Brussels today.

Economic ills and a sense of “disconnect” between the people and EU politicians are likely to depress turnout, making it easier for well-organized anti-EU forces to make inroads in the election, the pollsters said. .................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-05/anti-eu-sentiment-increases-as-britons-demand-exit-poll-shows.html