EP elections 2014

[ERvND]

As such, here is my prediction (current polling in brackets):

CDU / CSU  (40)                38   38 seats
SPD (27)                           24   24 seats
Grüne (15)                        17   17 seats
Linke (7)                             5    4-5 seats (depends on others/ far-right)
FDP (5)                               2    2 seats

FW  (1-2)                            5   5 seats
Far Right                             2   2 seats if joint NPD / DVU list, otherwise 1 seat
Pirates (2-3)                       3   2 Seats Pirates, 1 Seat Tierschutz (animal rights)
Others                                4   1 Seat Family, 1 Seat Pensioners                                

I see the FDP at 5 seats at least, FW at 2-3. Otherwise, this prediction looks plausible.

Of course, we don't know if the new Euro-sceptic "Alternative für Deutschland" will gain some traction until 2014. In this case, the picture could look quite differently.

[ERvND]

Wikipedia actually says that Ferdinand would be next in line after his father - not his older sister.

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I'm not exactly sure why it is that way, because we once had a Queen already with Maria Theresia.

The Pragmatic Sanction of 1713 states that male descendants take priority; daughters can only succeed to the throne if there are no sons or grandsons.

It's a highly theoretical discussion, though. If Austria was to revert to a monarchy, a national assembly would possibly define new rules of succession.