On 21 February 2024, 13th President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen attended the European People’s Party (EPP) press conference which previously began with the party’s group meeting. This was von der Leyen’s first appearance since the announcement of her intention to run for a second term, which marks the beginning of her official campaign.
With the polls’ prediction that populist “anti-European” parties will be in great favor during European parliament elections, von der Leyen stresses the need to defend European democracy in the press conference. Her rejection of far-right parties such as Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in Germany or Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party in France were also emphasized in the press conference.
Von der Leyen believes that such parties (which she labels as “Putin’s friends”) greatly contradicts EPP, parties and people similar to her affiliation. Hence, she refused to work with them even if the extremists gained significant support in the elections later this year.
Furthermore, von der Leyen vows that she only works with pro-NATO, pro-Ukraine and pro-European like her and the EPP. Supporting her stance, EPP president Manfred Weber adds to her comment by saying that EPP’s norms (yes to Europe, yes to Ukraine and yes to the rule of law) is the “red line” to all extremists.
The question of what parties will be working with EPP arises, and while pro-Europe parties such are forecasted to likely remain as the majority, the far-right parties are also still projected to be one of the biggest gainers of the vote.
Sources:
“Von der Leyen rejects extremist parties, leaves door open to ECR.” EUObserver, 21 February 2024, https://euobserver.com/eu-elections/158120#:~:text=Launching%20her%20official%20campaign%20for,achieve%20big%20wins%20in%20June
“EPP Group press conference 21 February with Commission President Von der Leyen.” EPP Group, 20 February 2024 https://www.eppgroup.eu/newsroom/epp-group-press-conf-21-feb-with-president-von-der-leyen
“Von der Leyen won’t rule out working with right-wing parties.” Politico, 21 February 2024, https://www.politico.eu/article/von-der-leyen-wont-rule-out-working-with-right-wing-parties/
