German Chancellor Olaf Scholz cautions against seeking support from far-right parties for the next European Commission President, emphasizing the need for a traditional majority to lead the bloc effectively.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany has issued a strong warning against seeking support from far-right parties for the next President of the European Commission. Scholz made his position clear during a meeting with his Portuguese counterpart, Luis Montenegro, in Berlin on Friday, May 24th, 2024.
Scholz expressed concern over the rise of far-right parties in Europe, which he attributed to uncertainty caused by rapid economic change, technological advancements, and climate change. He emphasized the importance of developed countries embracing a modernizing and inclusive agenda to counter this political trend.
With the European Parliament elections scheduled for June 6th-9th, 2024, Scholz urged traditional political groupings to secure a majority that excludes the support of right-wing extremists. He argued that a commission president reliant on far-right support would severely hamper the bloc's ability to lead effectively.
Scholz's statement is widely seen as a warning to Ursula von der Leyen, the current President of the European Commission and a candidate for a second term. Von der Leyen, a member of the European People's Party, has hinted at the possibility of cooperating with some members of parties further to the right.
Left-leaning parties across Europe have pressured their mainstream conservative and liberal counterparts to reject any cooperation with far-right parties after the upcoming elections. They argue that the far-right undermines the European Union's values and principles.
With the elections less than two weeks away, political alliances are already shifting. On Thursday, a right-wing group in the European Parliament expelled the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD) over a series of scandals.
One of AfD's nine European lawmakers, Sylvia Limmer, resigned from the party on Friday, citing the authoritarian leadership style of its leaders. Scholz's speech follows a similar warning from French President Emmanuel Macron, who has also expressed concern about the potential impact of far-right parties on the EU's future.
To combat the rise of the far-right, Scholz stressed the need for confidence in the future and a commitment to inclusivity. He believes that embracing a modernizing agenda that benefits all citizens can help counter the appeal of right-wing extremism.
Chancellor Scholz's warning highlights the growing concern among EU leaders about the influence of far-right parties in the upcoming elections. The outcome of these elections will shape the future direction of EU policy and the bloc's ability to address the challenges of the 21st century.
