He is the new leader of the European People’s Party. Martin Weber feels “tailwind” in his party family. The German politician does not rule out a renewed EU lead candidacy. The last one did not lead to the desired position.
The Congress of the EPP, the European People’s Party, chose the German EU– MPs Manfred Weber to her new boss. A choice that had been expected. After all, Weber was the only official candidate.
Weber is thus the successor to the former EU Council President Donald Tusk, who returns to Polish politics. The German Christian Social (CSU) announced when EVP-Chief continued Group leader of the European People’s Party (EPP) in European Parliament wanting to stay. “We know that from national politics,” he referred to the usual combination of institutional and party-political leadership positions. The intention behind this is that “it is understandable for the citizens what the EPP stands for and we are now also practicing this at European level”.
Weber was confident that the EPP will be able to maintain its leading position in the European elections in two years’ time. “We have the best chance that the EPP will remain the strongest group in the European Parliament,” he said. The preparation for the election should just begin at the EPP Congress in Rotterdam. When asked if he was again aiming for the office of the EPP’s top candidate in the European elections, he said: “We will make the personnel decisions when the time comes.”
The top candidate model has failed once before
However, Weber reiterated his adherence to the leading candidate model, which is controversial among EU governments. “The idea that you apply for a mandate before the election, that you show your face, is fundamental to European democracy. It’s the same with the mayor, with the chancellor and we should also introduce that in Europe,” said Weber. He had been chosen by the EPP before the 2019 European elections as the joint top candidate and as such had claimed the office of EU Commission President. However, Weber was thwarted in the European Council. His German party colleague Ursula von der Leyen (CDU) became Commission President.
The ÖVP praised Weber as a “strong European force because she wants to help shape it”. That was the case under Sebastian Kurz and also under Nehammer. Weber was curious about what the new ÖVP leader said in his speech in Rotterdam as a “strategic goal for the European People’s Party.” Austria is also interesting for the EPP because of its current coalition. “Of course, the black-green or turquoise-green option in Austria is also an exciting future model, namely to combine ecology and economy, to bring them together. There are a number of facets that make Austria a country, a government, that are for the EPP is important and where it is worth looking at,” says Weber.
Weber expressed respect for Nehammer’s strict adherence to Austrian neutrality. “The NATO question is a national decision,” emphasized Weber, who also emphasized Austria’s commitment to European defense policy. “We have anchored an assistance clause in the European treaties and I see Austria as a partner who is willing to practice European solidarity.” Even more important is that Austria is “clearly positioned” in the Russia-Ukraine war, unlike other neutral states. “It’s clear you’re on the side of the West, and that’s the most important thing for me.”
Severe crisis in the party family
Weber takes over the EPP in the midst of what is probably its worst crisis to date, as the party family, used to success, no longer forms the government in any major EU country. In the interview, Weber admitted that the EPP had “experienced setbacks”, but emphasized the remaining positions of power. It continues to be the largest group in the European Parliament and also provides two of the three presidents of the EU institutions. In addition, the EPP is “extremely strong” at the municipal level. “We are the mayor’s party in Europe. We have a strong foundation as Christian Democrats,” emphasized Weber, who spoke out in favor of a policy that “is close to the citizens”, “builds bridges” and “does not divide, but brings together”.
When asked whether after electoral defeats (the controversial Prime Ministers of Slovenia and Bulgaria, Janez Janša and Bojko Borissow) or more or less voluntary farewells (Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has turned his back on the EPP, Chancellor Kurz fell over a corruption affair) the Weber said diplomatically that the time when EPP member parties flirted with Eurosceptic or populist positions is over. It is “a bit difficult” to compare Viktor Orbán with Sebastian Kurz, “but the bottom line is that we are now experiencing times of crisis. We are at war and we will probably experience a recession. And times of crisis are times for the middle, These are times for the bourgeois forces, for Christian Democrats. This middle approach, bringing them together, is now more necessary than ever,” said Weber. “Now that’s the answer that fits the times, and we can feel it now,” said the Bavarian, referring to the recent electoral successes of more moderate Christian Democrats in state elections in Germany. In Spain, too, there are “excellent poll numbers,” and in Finland the conservatives are likely to win the elections, according to Weber. “We are currently feeling the tailwind.”
(The conversation was led by Stefan Vospernik/APA)