Manfred Weber, Chairman of the EVP Group in the European Parliament, defended his faction’s vote alongside far-right groups. Writing an op-ed for “Welt am Sonntag”, Weber asserted that, “We stand at the forefront of the fight against any form of extremism”. He concluded that, consequently, these groups have absolutely no influence over the legislative texts or personnel decisions of the European Parliament.
Four years ago, Weber was the first party leader to define the criteria he felt were necessary for an “electoral firewall” stating these principles were support “for the rule of law, for Ukraine, and for Europe”. He firmly declared that the EVP would never collaborate with extremists who cast doubt on these fundamental principles. “We do not need remedial lessons in combating radicalism” he argued, adding that it would be beneficial if Social Democrats and Greens on the left also fought against left-wing radicalism.
Characterizing the measure as a political mandate rather than a “bunker to shield oneself from unpopular election results” Weber addressed the concept of the firewall. Regarding the political left, he suggested that such a firewall simply means the continuation of their misguided policies. He reinforced the EVP’s commitment, asserting that the voter mandate always remains the center of their attention, and they are determined to deliver. Overall, his message urged a shift in focus: “We must move away from party tactics and toward the substance”.