European Union: the EPP congress, first test of truth for Ursula von der Leyen
Bucharest, the capital of Romania, hosts on Wednesday March 6 and Thursday March 7 the Congress of the European People's Party (EPP), the first political group in the European Parliament, which brings together parties from the right and the center, notably the German CDU and the LR French.
A meeting in the form of a test for the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, explains RFI's special correspondent, Pierrick Bonno.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in kyiv on February 24, 2024. REUTERS - ALINA SMUTKO
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What is at stake in this congress, three months before the European elections?
Officially, it is a question of defining a common line between the 42 parties of the EPP with a view to the next legislature.
But behind the scenes, it is the assessment and the project of
Ursula von der Leyen
, president of the outgoing Commission and
who has every chance of returning this summer
, that will be discussed.
Each party will try to influence the road map for its probable second term.
Ursula von der Leyen is far from unanimous within the EPP?
“VDL”, as it is nicknamed in Brussels, is often criticized for being too vertical in its decision-making.
But it is above all his record that makes the French right and, to a lesser extent, the Poles, the Slovenes and even the Spaniards cringe.
The LR have already announced that they will not support his candidacy.
They couldn't stand the fact that the leader appeared last summer
at the back-to-school campus of Renaissance, Emmanuel Macron's party
.
It was also the French president who pushed his candidacy, at the last minute, five years ago.
But barring a huge surprise, Ursula von der Leyen will still be dubbed by the EPP on Thursday morning?
Yes, because for the moment, only the 8 LR MEPs formally oppose his second mandate.
And above all, Ursula von der Leyen has no competitor facing her within the EPP, that simplifies things.
Once chosen by her family, the obstacle course will not be over for her.
The EPP still needs to come out on top next June – the polls predict it.
The renewal of “VDL” must then be validated by the heads of state and government.
Nothing will stop them from pulling another name out of their hat, as they did five years ago.
Finally, the last step in this long process: a vote, by majority in the European Parliament, during the summer.
And nothing is gained.
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