The head of the European People’s Party (EPP) group in the European Parliament, Manfred Weber, has signaled a willingness to engage in further discussions with far-right parties, sparking renewed debate about the stability of the political center and the potential normalization of extremist viewpoints within the EU legislative framework.
Speaking to Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, Weber emphasized that structured cooperation with far-right factions would be avoided, yet stressed the necessity of finding allies to address pressing issues such as illegal migration and the preservation of European prosperity. This seemingly minor caveat has drawn significant criticism, raising concerns about the compromises being made in the pursuit of political expediency.
Weber’s remarks follow a recent instance where EPP support, coupled with votes from the right, resulted in a weakening of the EU’s supply chain law. He dismissed accusations that this action eroded the “firewall” against the political right, characterising the EPP’s stance as firm, asserting that parties like the AfD, which he labeled as “anti-European” and a mouthpiece for Putin, represent opposition. However, the mere willingness to negotiate with such groups fuels debate about the definition and limits of this firewall.
Looking ahead, Weber indicated a desire to thwart populist exploitation of the planned combustion engine ban, specifically appealing to centrist parties-particularly the Social Democrats-for support. He voiced hope that securing common ground on this issue could deny populists ammunition for upcoming state elections.
While Weber outlined three core principles – “pro-Europe” “pro-Ukraine” and “pro-rule of law” – as prerequisites for any engagement with other parties, critics argue that these principles are increasingly diluted by the pragmatic need to secure parliamentary majorities, potentially pushing the EPP into uncomfortable and ethically questionable alliances. The long-term consequences of this strategy remain to be seen, but the signals from Weber suggest a strategic realignment within European politics, one that demands careful scrutiny regarding its democratic integrity and the preservation of fundamental European values.