In European vote, far-right surge fails to materialize, but mainstream parties lose support

BERLIN - Supporters of the European Union garnered a majority in continentwide parliamentary elections, fighting off a populist challenge, according to tallies released Monday. But the results also showed a polarized electorate that points to continuing discord over hot-button issues such as immigration and the power of EU institutions.

Although traditional mainstream parties were the chief casualty of the pan-European vote that took place over four days ending Sunday, gains by the EU-bashing far right were largely offset by victories on the left.

Populist-nationalist parties pursuing a strident anti-immigrant agenda made some inroads, notching