Pirate Party wins seat in European Parliament?

[CptStern]

The pro-internet file sharing Pirate Party yesterday scored a big win by securing a seat in the European parliament.

It pulled in 7.1 per cent of votes in Sweden, which handed the party one of the countryâ??s 18 seats in the European parliament.

"Privacy issues and civil liberties are important to people and they demonstrated that clearly when they voted today," Pirate Party candidate Anna Troberg told Swedish TV on Sunday.

When we asked Pirate Party leader Rick Falkvinge about the outcome, he told TorrentFreak: â??Weâ??ve felt the wind blow in our sails. Weâ??ve seen the polls prior to the election. But to stand here, today, and see the figures coming up on that screenâ?¦ What do you want me to say? Iâ??ll say anythingâ?

reminds me of this

http://www.videosift.com/video/Monty-Pythons-Meaning-Of-Life-Crimson-Permanent-Assurance




however it's not all fun und games

The Pirate Party is not the only marginal party that has now claimed a seat in Strasbourg. In the UK, the Far Right BNP has claimed two seats.....

The BNP, which styles itself as the representative of the "Celts, Anglo-Saxons, Danes, Norse and closely related kindred peoples" it says constitute the indigenous peoples of the UK, took 6.5 per cent of the UK vote.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/06/08/pirate_party_european_parliament/

 

[Llama]

Dark days. I didn't think 6.5% of my countrymen were that patently retarded.

 

[PvtRyan]

I hope the Pirate Party will act on the ridiculous prices of rum in the EU.

 

[lefty]

Standing in the back dressed stupidly and looking stupid party.

 

[AJ Rimmer]

Boo-yah!

 

[Dax]

Don't you mean "AAARR!!"?

 

[Farrowlesparrow]

I considered making a thread about this, but I'm just not that man.
However, I found these elections interesting. Whilst I don't really know much about the Pirate Party, and therefore can't say I care much for them for better or worse, the point I found really interesting is the apparently international nature of them.

Whilst many voters seem to be punishing their national governments, it's perhaps given (If only a little) room for the pan-European parties. Whether this is good or bad, I don't know, but I'm fascinated to see how such things develop. The internet combined with the EU perhaps offers some possibilities for growth in these sorts of meta-parties.

 

[VictimOfScience]

It is always good to see people becoming more involved in the political process and doing something about their interests. Time to stop whining and start acting. Good for them. And if you don't like it? It is your turn to stand up next.

 

[barbarbarbarbar]

Hurray?