EPP Congress: French Republicans maintain their opposition to Ursula von der Leyen
First day of the congress of the European political party EPP, in Bucharest, Romania this Wednesday March 6, 2024. The European People's Party (center right, first formation in Strasbourg) brings together its members three months before the European elections.
Objective: find a common line and designate Ursula von der Leyen as head of the list at community level.
One more step towards his reappointment to the Commission, although divisions are felt within the continental right.
The president of the Romanian National Liberal Party Nicolae Ciuca, the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the Moldovan president Maia Sandu, at the launch of the EPP congress in Bucharest, this Wednesday March 6, 2024. AFP - DANIEL MIHAILESCU
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With our special correspondent in Bucharest,
Pierrick Bonno
The European People's Party is a family, the German Manfred Weber, head of the EPP, repeated all day long.
Perhaps to try to hide the dissonances that accompany this congress.
First of all, programmatic dissonances: the Austrians in particular abstained today from voting to validate a manifesto taking a further step towards a Europe of defense, and which evokes the enlargement of the Schengen area to
Bulgaria
and
Romania
.
“
At 27, we cannot always agree
,” procrastinates a MEP.
But the real test for the EPP will be Thursday noon, with the secret ballot to renew the party's confidence in
Ursula von der Leyen
.
Enough to allow him to take a further step towards his reappointment as President of the Commission.
A less hushed institution than usual at the PPE
The French LR are sticking to their position: even if it means attracting the wrath of some of their allies, the head of the list François-Xavier Bellamy and his seven MEPs will not support his candidacy.
Too technocratic according to them, especially too close to
Emmanuel Macron
.
Make no mistake, national interests always take precedence, especially during elections.
“
I think we all share the need to readjust European policy,”
assures François-Xavier Bellamy.
And that, for once, is a conviction very widely shared here.
Everyone makes their choices.
We take responsibility for opening this debate.
I think it's important.
»
Saying out loud what everyone is thinking, the Republicans want to be whistleblowers.
They have made a lot of noise in recent weeks, even if their attitude challenges their continental partners.
A problem within an institution where debates are traditionally very quiet.
A damaged legitimacy for Ursula von der Leyen?
Polish MEP Jan Olbrycht has not always agreed with the President of the Commission.
But he does not understand the attitude of his French partners.
“
Me,
” he said,
“I think it’s better that we show unity.
Even if there are things with which we do not agree, we find that there is no other candidate to manage the European Commission today.
That, I don't understand, but maybe there is something else between Les Républicains that I don't know.
»
The head of the EPP, the German Manfred Weber, reveals an element of electoralism in LR.
“
Our French partners are currently trying to convince French voters to vote for them
,” he considers.
The result of the vote will be closely observed.
Part of the Slovenian right could follow in the footsteps of the LR.
Not enough to threaten the appointment of Ursula von der Leyen, but perhaps her legitimacy a little.
To rereadEuropean Union: the EPP congress, first test of truth for Ursula von der Leyen
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