One of the most powerful German EU politicians is aiming for a new office – and will soon decide between two options: The CSU MEP Manfred Weber leads the faction of the European People’s Party, the Christian Democrats in the EU Parliament. The EPP is the strongest political group, and Weber was its top candidate in the 2019 European elections. His dream of becoming Commission President did not come true, however, because the EU heads of state and government conjured up Ursula von der Leyen for this post.
Instead, Weber, who is also deputy chairman of the CSU, should become President of the EU Parliament halfway through the five-year term – as the successor to the Italian Social Democrat David Sassoli. From the EPP, however, it can be heard that Weber is now considering an alternative: The 49-year-old could also run for chairman of the EPP, in addition to chairing the parliamentary group.
Weber apparently wants to announce his decision on which post he is aiming for in two weeks, at the first parliamentary group meeting after the summer break. And in October he wants to be re-elected as group leader in any case.
The Italian is reluctant
The previous EPP party chairman Donald Tusk returned to Poland from Brussels in July to attack the increasingly authoritarian ruling party as opposition leader. Tusk was formerly Prime Minister of Poland and then President of the EU Council. The next electoral congress for the EPP Chairmanship is not due to take place until November 2022, but it would be possible to bring it forward, they say. If Weber actually aspired to the EPP top office, his group would choose another candidate for Sassoli’s successor. The problem: The Italian wants to keep the post of President of Parliament longer than half a legislative period.