Brussels – A potential realignment of political forces is underway in the European Parliament as Manfred Weber, leader of the center-right European People’s Party (EPP), signals a willingness to consider tactical cooperation with far-right factions. The shift,reported by Politico,raises questions about the future of traditional alliances within the EU and comes as the EPP navigates internal divisions ahead of upcoming elections. While Weber maintains a firm line against formal coalitions, his openness to collaboration on specific issues could reshape the debate on key policy areas ranging from immigration to environmental regulations.
Fotó: Philipp von Ditfurth / dpa Picture-Alliance / AFP
The leader of the European People’s Party is signaling a potential shift in strategy, raising concerns about the future direction of center-right politics in the European Union.
Manfred Weber, head of the EPP group in the European Parliament, has indicated he is no longer ruling out tactical alliances with far-right parties, according to a report by Politico. “What matters to me is that there is no structural cooperation with the radical right-wing parties in the European Parliament,” Weber told the German Funke Media Group. He added, however, that he will not allow anyone to obstruct his party if stopping illegal migration or ensuring economic prosperity is at stake.
The potential for increased cooperation between mainstream and extremist parties is a growing point of contention within the European Parliament. Such alliances have already begun to materialize on specific issues, most recently with far-right votes contributing to a rollback of EU environmental regulations, as reported previously. Radical parties are seeking support from the EPP on issues like immigration, deregulation, and the planned phase-out of internal combustion engine vehicles in exchange for their votes.
Meanwhile, Socialists, Liberals, and Greens are accusing the center-right of increasingly leaning towards the far-right when it suits their interests. One lawmaker told Politico that the fragile alliance of centrist groups feels more like an “abusive relationship.”
Responding to these concerns, Weber stated, “The firewall exists. We know who our enemies are.” The concept of a “firewall” in German politics refers to efforts to isolate the far-right and avoid collaboration. Weber outlined three red lines that any potential partner must respect: commitment to Europe, support for Ukraine, and respect for the rule of law. When asked about potentially relying on radical votes to end the sale of combustion engine cars, Weber shifted the focus, stating he had invited Social Democrats to cooperate and received “very positive initial signals.”
