Revelations of alleged backroom dealings between the center-right European People’s Party (EPP) group in the European Parliament and far-right politicians – including members of the German AfD – have drawn sharp criticism from leading figures within Germany’s ruling coalition.
“Irritiert und verstört”
CDU leader Friedrich Merz strongly criticized the reported discussions between the EPP and right-wing politicians, stating, “We do not work together with the radicals on the right in the European Parliament.” He emphasized that all decisions in the European Parliament must be made without the involvement of German AfD members. CSU leader Markus Söder echoed this sentiment, stating the revelations had “very surprised and also irritated and disturbed” his party.
Merz demanded an explanation from EPP chairman Manfred Weber, a CSU politician, and stressed his agreement with Söder: “We disapprove of what has obviously taken place at the staff level,” he said. Merz added that Weber is now responsible for addressing the situation and ensuring such cooperation ceases.
Chatgruppe ist “keine Form der Zusammenarbeit”
The controversy stems from reports by the German Press Agency (dpa) detailing closer cooperation between the EPP and the AfD, as well as other right-wing parties, than previously known. According to dpa, the EPP engaged in discussions with the right-wing in a chat group and at a personal meeting of lawmakers concerning a proposal to tighten migration policy. Weber has stated he was unaware of the chat group.
Union faction leader Jens Spahn and Söder previously offered cautious criticism of the reported discussions. Spahn stated that such actions “must have consequences,” but qualified that a chat group is “not a form of cooperation.” Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called for a clear commitment to maintaining a firewall against the AfD.
Kritik von SPD
The Social Democratic Party (SPD), the CDU/CSU’s coalition partner, and other parties sharply criticized the alleged backroom dealings. Rhineland-Palatinate Minister-President Alexander Schweitzer (SPD) stated that secret cooperation with right-wing radical parties in the European Parliament is “a danger to Europe and deception of the Union’s voters.”
Persönliche Treffen und Chatgruppe
The dpa report indicated that the EPP worked with the right-wing in a chat group and at a personal meeting to discuss a proposal for tightening migration policy. The EPP, traditionally aligned with Conservatives, Social Democrats, and Liberals, has sometimes relied on votes from the European Conservative and Reformist group (ECR), which includes the party of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, but not the AfD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EPP?
The EPP is the European People’s Party, a center-right political group in the European Parliament that includes the CDU and CSU.
What is the AfD?
The AfD is the Alternative for Germany, a right-wing political party in Germany.
What was the focus of the reported discussions?
The reported discussions centered on a proposal to tighten migration policy.
As these developments unfold, it remains to be seen whether the reported interactions will lead to lasting changes in the dynamics within the European Parliament and how the EPP will address the concerns raised by its coalition partners and the broader political landscape.
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