No alliance with FPÖ affirmed: EPP-Weber acknowledges Stocker (affirming no coalition with FPÖ)
Facing a Threat from Extremism:
Manfred Weber, the head honcho of the Christian Democratic European People's Party (EPP), predicts that the party's main rival during the coming four years won't be the centrist-left parties, but the so-called "extremists" popping up all around Europe and the globe. In his address at the EPP congress held in Spain's Valencia, he warned of an incoming wave of authoritarianism in Europe, citing it as the biggest challenge they're about to face.
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"Austria Sets a Precedent for Us"
Regarding the failed negotiations between ÖVP and FPOE, Weber said, "Austria has now become a textbook for us." The reason behind ÖVP's decision not to form a coalition with FPOE was that the necessary conditions for such a move weren't met. Weber acknowledged Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker's role in preserving Austria's pro-European stance and expressed gratitude towards him.
Ever since, the EPP has had its clearly defined "red lines" for partnership with other parties. These parties must openly accept Europe, Ukraine, and the rule of law.
Weber will continue to lead the EPP for the next three years as he's been reelected for this role at the EPP congress. Despite being the sole contender for the post, he expressed his delight and appreciation for the support he received from the European People's Party.
Brunner Vies for Vice-Presidency
The Austrian EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner (ÖVP), who served previously in the Brussels office, has announced his candidacy for one of the ten vice-president positions. Hahn, Brunner's predecessor, was also an EPP vice-president for years. The EPP, as the strongest group in the European Parliament, with 188 MEPs, is bulldozing ahead of the socialist S&D group with 136 MEPs, and the right-wing ID group with 86 MEPs.
This gathering, attended by important figures like ÖVP leader and Chancellor Stocker, Minister of Europe Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP), ÖVP delegation leader in the European Parliament, Reinhold Lopatka, and ex-EU Commissioner Hahn, will focus on several vital issues, including the Russian war in Ukraine, rising living costs, escalating threats from populism and extremism, and more. Invited international participants include Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, former Ukrainian President Petro Poroschenko, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and the likely next German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU).
- Manfred Weber, the EPP leader, views Austria's recent political decisions as a precedent for future actions due to the failure of negotiations between ÖVP and FPOE.
- Weber praises Austrian Chancellor Christian Kouchner for maintaining Austria's pro-European stance.
- The EPP has set "red lines" for partnerships with other parties, requiring them to openly accept Europe, Ukraine, and the rule of law.
- Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner, an ÖVP member, has announced his candidacy for one of the EPP's ten vice-president positions.
- The European People's Party, with 188 MEPs, holds a significant lead over other groups in the European Parliament, including the socialist S&D group with 136 MEPs and the right-wing ID group with 86 MEPs.
- The EPP congress will discuss various critical issues, including the Russian war in Ukraine, rising living costs, populism, and extremism.
- Prominent figures, including Vitali Klitschko, Petro Poroschenko, Ursula von der Leyen, and Friedrich Merz, are invited to the gathering to share their insights on these and related topics such as general news, crime and justice, casino-personalities, policy and legislation, and casino-and-gambling.
