Europe needs strengthening - assaults on traffic lights linked to AfD

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.

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1. Despite the challenges posed by Russia and extreme parties like the AfD in Germany, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen advocates for a strong and unified Europe.
2. In a speech at the CDU and CSU's closing event in Munich, von der Leyen emphasized the need to counter populists and radicals, such as Le Pen in France and the AfD.
3. The CSU's leading candidate, Manfred Weber, joined von der Leyen in warning against neo-Nazis and their efforts to weaken Europe.
4. Regarding Russia, von der Leyen called for a stronger common defense strategy and more investment in Europe's defense industry.
5. CDU head Friedrich Merz and CSU leader Markus Soeder urged their supporters to rally behind the EVP and Von der Leyen ahead of Sunday's elections.
6. CDU and CSU are predicted to secure a significant lead in Germany's European election, according to polls, and both von der Leyen and Weber aim to maintain their leadership roles.
7. The traffic light government in Berlin was criticized as a detriment to both Germany and the European Union, and the AfD was dubbed "an economic and moral decline for Germany."
8. Soeder called upon the SPD and Greens to join forces with von der Leyen, deeming it a "national patriotic duty."
9. In the context of the European Union, the AfD's stance on key issues such as immigration and climate change has been a source of controversy and disagreement.

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