The article discusses concerns regarding the European People’s Party (EPP) aligning with far-right factions within the EU Parliament. Critics argue this collaboration undermines pro-European unity and breaches longstanding agreements to exclude right-wing populists from legislation. Key votes supporting physical border barriers and deportation camps have sparked outrage among Social Democrats, Greens, and Liberals. EPP leader Manfred Weber maintains that there’s no cooperation with extremists, yet tensions rise as upcoming Commissioner hearings loom, threatening further instability in the EU’s political landscape.
Are Europe’s Christian Democrats aligning with far-right factions? Critics warn that Manfred Weber’s European People’s Party (EPP) is taking a concerning turn, potentially impacting its effectiveness in the EU Parliament.
Recent proposals advocating for “adequate funding for physical barriers at the Union’s external borders” garnered majority support from the EPP. Although a resolution on the budget ultimately failed, Alexander Jungbluth, the AfD MEP involved, heralded it as a “historic day” and a “massive success.”
With the AfD now securing alliances in the European Parliament, far-right groups are undergoing a strategic realignment.
Is the agreement still intact?
The motion under discussion echoes previous demands raised during the last EU summit and highlights a worrying trend: Christian Democrats are now voting alongside far-right groups. The Greens describe this as a breaking of boundaries, accusing the Union parties of collaborating with the European AfD, disregarding ethical concerns in Germany.
European Social Democrats express their outrage, asserting that the Christian Democrats are breaching a long-standing agreement among pro-European factions in the EU Parliament that excludes right-wing populists and extremists from legislative measures and significant votes. This established boundary, often referred to as a firewall or cordon sanitaire, is perceived to be weakening due to the EPP’s recent voting patterns.
Currently, Hungary’s Fidesz party, Austria’s FPÖ, and the Czech Republic’s ANO are also aligning with the far-right coalition.
Not the first instance
This isn’t an isolated incident. Just a month ago, the EPP collaborated with right-leaning political groups to back an opposition presidential candidate in Venezuela. The Christian Democrats endorsed a proposal drafted by the far-right coalition “Patriots for Europe,” which includes members from the Rassemblement National, FPÖ, and Fidesz. Support also stemmed from the right-wing populist European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, which includes Poland’s PiS and Fratelli d’Italia, alongside the AfD’s “Europe of Sovereign Nations.”
Moreover, Christian Democrats and far-right factions coordinated on the scheduling of hearings for designated EU Commissioners, ensuring that the contentious candidate Raffaele Fitto from Fratelli d’Italia is prioritized over Social Democrat Teresa Ribera, possibly giving Fitto an edge.
The irritation among Social Democrats, Greens, and Liberals is exacerbated by the EPP’s support for a second term for Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in stark contrast to Fratelli d’Italia, whose candidate Fitto has now been favored by the EPP.
Tensions Building
The Greens caution that the EPP’s actions could destabilize Europe by threatening the pro-European majority in the EU Parliament. The Social Democrats foresee the potential collapse of the firewall.
In response, EPP group leader Manfred Weber insists that there is no collaboration with extremists who undermine European values, Ukraine, or the rule of law. Weber emphasizes a position of renewed influence, stating that the EPP oversees 12 of the 27 EU heads of state, maintaining regular consultations with them.
Furthermore, following the outcomes of the European elections in June, the EPP finds itself in a favorable situation as changes to the parliamentary majority make it challenging for left-wing factions to enact resolutions against them.
Pre-hearing Tensions
As Parliament gears up for substantive debates, a pressing question remains: how will Weber wield his newfound authority? Events such as the anticipated vote on the 2035 phase-out of combustion engines, which the EPP seeks to overturn, may be crucial.
Amid this uncertainty, the atmosphere among pro-European political groups is fraught, potentially overshadowing the forthcoming hearings of Commissioner candidates. Many candidates are already viewed skeptically. Should the Social Democrats, Greens, and Liberals choose to reject an EPP candidate or the ECR’s Fitto, retaliation from the Christian Democrats may lead to candidate blocks on their end. The political landscape surrounding these candidate evaluations is becoming increasingly volatile.