The resolution on promoting the competitiveness of European industry was nevertheless passed – albeit with the votes of the Socialist Group (S&D), the Green Group (EFA/European Free Alliance), the Renew Europe Liberals and a few others (including some of the EPP- deputies).
The fact that much of the Conservative faction was not involved also angered some MPs because the Conservatives played a key role in the resolution. Von der Leyen only presented the “Green Deal” industrial plan in January. The EU fears for the domestic economy in view of billions in state aid in the US and China.
“Scandalous Spectacle”
The fact that von der Leyen was being torpedoed by her own colleagues in the parliamentary group caused malice and outrage in Strasbourg. The EPP wants to take down its “own President of the Commission” and “move to the right with the post-fascist Georgia Meloni”, criticized German MEP Alexandra Geese (Greens) via Twitter.
She alluded to the EPP’s approaches to Meloni. Weber is ready to “sacrifice Germany’s influence in the EU and undermine the CDU”, she says.
The truth includes: @EPP want your own committee chairman @vonderleyen slaughter and with the post-fascist @GiorgiaMeloni move right. @ManfredWeber is willing to sacrifice Germany’s influence in the EU and undermine the CDU.
— Alexandra Geese (@AlexandraGeese) February 16, 2023
Liberal MP Valerie Hayer speaks of a defeat for Weber and all those on the right who wanted to “sacrifice our industries, our jobs and our sovereignty” in an attempt to eliminate von der Leyen,” she wrote on Twitter. “Europeans deserve better than that. this outrageous spectacle.”
mixed signals
EPP sent mixed signals. EPP chief Weber shared a photo on social media at about the same time as the vote, which shows him and von der Leyen shaking hands. “Our mission continues, together, for the people of Europe and a better future for our children,” he says. At first glance, it looks like a compromise with the President of the Commission.
EPP colleague Christian Ehler – also a German politician – explained shortly after the parliament vote that the EU was abandoning its industry as a result of the subsidy dispute with the US – keyword: Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
The “Green Deal” will not be implemented as “the promised growth strategy”, but as an “ideological transformation planned on paper without a realistic perception of the real world”. The Commission must take the competitiveness of the European economy seriously, he stressed earlier.
German dispute?
The EPP’s attitude mainly reflects the German line, several anonymous EPP MPs told Politico before the vote. Other supporters of the faction – for example, from Spain or Portugal – objected to torpedoing the resolution. The German delegation is still considered the most powerful within the EPP.
And in Germany, resentment over the EU Parliament’s decision to phase out combustion engines from 2035 does not stop: the ban is hurting “Bavaria as an industrial location and the employees of the automotive industry”, complained Markus Söder, Bavarian Prime Minister (CSU), via Twitter. Bavaria, the home state of Weber and Ehler, is home to an important automotive industry. Weber also expressed his anger at the combustion ban.
Looking ahead to the European elections
Last but not least, the EPP, under its boss Weber, already has its eyes on the next European elections in 2024. Rumors about who the EPP might nominate as the main candidate are circulating more and more. So far, she has left it open whether von der Leyen will run in the election.
According to reports, Weber is already eyeing another EU politician as the lead candidate: current European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. Weber “is already turning the EPP into a machine for Roberta Metsola’s campaign,” an anonymous lawmaker told Politico.
Turn on alliance with the Meloni faction
The EPP remains the most powerful group in the Commission and Parliament. To remain influential, the EPP is opening up to the right. Some in the group are flirting with an alliance with the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, chaired by the post-fascist Meloni.
As party and faction leader, he naturally has the ambition that the EPP will remain the strongest force after the 2024 European elections, Weber told newspapers of the Funke communication group. He shares concern for the history of Meloni’s post-fascist party.
But basically there are three fundamental principles in the EPP: pro-rule of law, pro-Europe, pro-Ukraine – “Meloni is constructive in Europe, supports Ukraine and there are no problems with the rule of law in Italy.” Conservatives about it, but not yet.