Voting Process - Europe needs strengthening - assaults on traffic lights linked to AfD
Against the backdrop of escalating crises and mounting challenges from Russia and extremists, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has passionately advocated for a strong and unified Europe. In a speech at the CDU and CSU's closing event in Munich on Friday, she asserted, "The European Union isn't some sort of autopilot or an inevitability." The tranquil Europe will be tested by populists, radicals, and demagogues, including Le Pen in France and the AfD in Germany.
Von der Leyen acknowledged, "These extremists all share the same goal - they want to weaken, destroy, and fracture our Europe." This won't be tolerated, so she strives for a broad alliance: for the rule of law, support for Ukraine, and a fortified Europe. CSU's leading candidate, Manfred Weber, underscored the urgency, referring to the AfD and those close to Björn Höcke, "We won't let these neo-Nazis destroy our Europe."
Regarding the Russian threat, von der Leyen reiterated the need for a stronger common defense strategy. "If we aim to maintain peace on this continent, we can't stall," she stated. Europe needs to invest more in its defense and defense industry. "We want a self-sufficient Europe." The EVP's lead candidate also emphasized the importance of a consistent European migration policy and more climate action: "We owe the preservation of nature to our kids and grandkids."
CDU head Friedrich Merz and CSU leader Markus Söder both rallied their supporters ahead of Sunday's election. The EVP, with von der Leyen at the helm, must regain the position of Europe's dominant political force, Merz stressed. The traffic light government in Berlin was criticized as a detriment to both Germany and the European Union, as was the AfD, which was dubbed "an economic and moral decline for Germany." Söder urged SPD and Greens to join forces with von der Leyen, deeming it a "national patriotic duty."
CDU and CSU are predicted to secure a significant lead in Germany's European election, according to polls. Von der Leyen aims for a second term as EU Commission head, while Weber aims to retain his role as EVP party leader and parliamentary group leader in the European Parliament.
