EU foreign policy chief fears rightwing surge in June elections

Josep Borrell is concerned voters will be scared into choosing populist parties for European parliament because of nearby wars

European parliamentary elections in June could be as fateful as the US presidential race, the EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has warned, saying he believes voters' fear of the unknown may lead them to back rightwing populist parties.

I am afraid of fear, I am afraid Europeans vote because they are afraid. It's scientifically proven that fear in the face of the unknown and uncertainty generates a hormone that calls for a security response. This is a fact," Borrell told the Guardian.