Ursula von der Leyen, the current European Commission president, is seeking re-election and requires the endorsement of the European Council as well as a simple majority in the European Parliament. The question arises as to whether she will need the support of far-right parties to secure her second term in office. Radio Schuman recently interviewed Thanasis Bakolas, the secretary general of the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), to discuss this topic and more. The discussion revolved around how the EPP is working to gain the necessary support to ensure von der Leyen’s re-election.
During the post-election event held at the Microsoft centre, Bakolas addressed the issue of whether the centre-right needs the backing of far-right lawmakers to govern and ensure von der Leyen’s continuation in office. The EPP is focused on securing the support of both the European Council and the European Parliament in order to achieve this goal. The importance of these votes from various parties, including potentially far-right ones, is crucial in determining the outcome of von der Leyen’s re-election bid.
One key topic of discussion during the interview was the recent ruling by the EU Court of Justice condemning Hungary for breaching asylum rules. This ruling has significant implications for the European Union and its member states, particularly in terms of upholding asylum regulations and human rights standards. It is important for the European Commission to address such violations and ensure that member states abide by EU laws and regulations.
In addition to discussing the necessary support for von der Leyen’s re-election, the interview also touched upon the newly elected MEPs and their potential impact on the European Parliament. With a diverse group of representatives from various countries and political backgrounds, the composition of the Parliament will play a crucial role in shaping future EU policies and decisions. It is essential for the EPP and other political groups to work together to address common challenges and advance the interests of the European Union as a whole.
The outcome of von der Leyen’s re-election bid will depend on a variety of factors, including the support of different political parties and the willingness of member states to back her candidacy. While the EPP is working diligently to secure the necessary votes, the involvement of far-right parties in the decision-making process raises questions about the future direction of the European Commission and the EU as a whole. It is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize collaboration and cooperation in order to effectively address the challenges facing the European Union.
Overall, the interview with EPP secretary general Thanasis Bakolas shed light on the complexities of European politics and the challenges facing the European Commission in the upcoming re-election process. The need for support from various parties, including potentially far-right ones, underscores the importance of coalition-building and strategic alliances in shaping the future of the EU. With critical issues such as asylum rules and human rights violations at stake, it is essential for the European Commission and its leaders to navigate these challenges with diplomacy and foresight.
