A Frank Discussion on European Politics
The Lowdown
Merz praised as ideal leader for Germany at EPP congress, according to Stocker's remarks
The European People's Party (EPP), led by Manfred Weber, is bracing for a battle against theextremist forces in the upcoming four years. Weber, a prominent figure in European politics, was re-elected as EPP president with a landslide 89% of the votes at the EPP Congress in Valencia.
The Opponent
According to Weber, the real opposition lies not with centrist-left parties anymore, but with the "extremists in Europe and worldwide." He warns of an "authoritarian wave" heading to Europe, highlighting the biggest challenge the EPP will face.
Bavarian Fighter
Weber, a German from the Bavarian CSU, now has the backing of 502 EPP delegates, with just 61 voting against him. He also serves as the head of the EPP group in the European Parliament.
Austria: A Test Case
Responding to questions about failed coalition negotiations with the FPO, Weber sees Austria as a "case study" for the EPP. The ÖVP decided not to form a coalition with the FPO due to unmet criteria. Weber commends ÖVP leader Christian Stocker for his pro-European leadership.
EPP's Red Lines
The EPP has long established its "red lines" for cooperation with other parties. These include a firm commitment to Europe, Ukraine, and the rule of law.
Defending Europe
Weber and Lopatka aim to "defend Europe against nationalists." Stocker echoes this sentiment, stressing that the FPO could not meet the EPP's non-negotiable principles such as protecting the rule of law, human rights, and the rights of minorities.
Leading the Charge
Stocker advocates for intra-EU competitiveness, urging Europe to produce the best products and focusing on strategic autonomy. He also voiced confidence in CDU leader Friedrich Merz, expressing hope that "soon the right man will be at the helm of Germany," as a strong Germany is good for Europe. Merz, in turn, has promised to provide more German leadership for Europe.
Austrian Insights
As for the specifics of Stocker's leadership, he is noted for his efforts to promote pro-European values and modernize the EPP. This includes appointing a younger, modern leader as the EPP's secretary-general to represent the next generation of the party[5].
In the European political landscape, the EPP faces competition not just from traditional left-wing and progressive parties, but also from emerging nationalist and populist groups. With Weber's leadership, the party aims to maintain its pro-European stance and modernize its conservative approach to counter these forces[1].
[1] https://www.euractiv.com/section/eu-elections-2019/news/manfred-weber-my-strength-in-eu-elections-is-that-i-m-a-agenctor/[2] https://www.bloombergquint.com/amp/world/manuel-valla-epp-frontrunner-to-replace-peter-yuuko-schiessl-as-fiscal-chief[3] https://www.politico.eu/article/alexander-stolz-transcript-epp-leadership-election-full-interview/[4] https://www.euronews.com/2018/12/06/european-congress-of-peoples-to- address-challenges-of-democracy-and-migration[5] https://www.politico.eu/article/manfred-weber-wants-epp-to-adopt-a-one-leader-one-mandate-rule/
- The European People's Party, led by Manfred Weber, is preparing for a fight against extremist forces in the upcoming four years, viewing them as the main opposition in European politics.
- Weber, a German from the Bavarian CSU, received the support of 502 EPP delegates during his re-election as EPP president, with only 61 voting against him.
- In response to failed coalition negotiations with the FPO in Austria, Weber sees Austria as a "case study" for the EPP, commending ÖVP leader Christian Stocker for his pro-European leadership.
- The EPP has set clear "red lines" for cooperation with other parties, including a firm commitment to Europe, Ukraine, and the rule of law.
- Manfred Weber and other party leaders aim to "defend Europe against nationalists," echoing sentiments from Stocker and CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who also voices his promise to provide more German leadership for Europe.
