As of: March 5, 2024, 5:41 p.m
By: Christian Deutschländer, Mike Schier
Comments
Press
Split
Before the EPP party conference, Manfred Weber criticized Scholz and Macron massively.
In the interview he makes clear demands about Europe's response to the Russian threat.
EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen (CDU) is taking the next hurdle to remain at the helm of the Brussels control center for five more years: The European People's Party (EPP) wants the 65-year-old to be its top candidate on Thursday (March 7). for the European elections.
Before the party conference in Bucharest, we spoke to Manfred Weber (CSU), the parliamentary group and party leader of the European Conservatives.
Mr. Weber, before the last EU election, the EPP Congress elected you as the top candidate - but Ursula von der Leyen became Commission President.
How much sense do such events make?
Weber: That was a defeat for European democracy in 2019.
But it's ticked off.
We as the EPP stand by the principle of democratic Europe.
Winning top candidates must also come into office later.
The CSU is not considered Ms. von der Leyen's fan club.
What is the best way to hide them during the election campaign?
Weber: As head of the Commission, she worked with us as the EPP group to hold Europe together in very, very difficult phases.
First during the Corona crisis, then after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Skeptics should know: If Ursula von der Leyen doesn't become president, then we will have chaos in Brussels and the Greens will have the right to propose the German commissioner.
Danger from Putin before the European elections – “You can feel that Germany is not being led strongly”
Is she the least of the evils?
Weber: No, she led Europe well.
We have worked successfully on legislation, for example on digitalization.
We are the first continent to introduce a law for artificial intelligence.
And we are the party of the Green Deal.
We show how to bring climate protection and economic growth together.
I'm proud of what we've achieved.
The Bundeswehr allows itself to be intercepted.
The traffic lights block legal agreements.
What are Germans currently hearing in Brussels?
Weber: We have a difficult time with this federal government. The uncertainty in Berlin is noticeable.
You can feel that Germany is not being led strongly.
This is paralyzing Europe - but we must now give decisive answers to the danger posed by Vladimir Putin.
My news
Putin propagandist wants to destroy four German counterparts for Crimean bridge
After the Bundeswehr wiretapping scandal: Putin propagandist botches trap for German ambassador
Several Russian planes shot down: Ukraine finds out about fighter jet secret
Taurus-Zoff: British suspect “Russian infiltration” in Germanyread
Green Party leader Lang counters Söder: “The seriousness of the situation is not understood” read
“Totally loving”: When Söder explains the flat Ricarda Lang joke, Miosga sputters
Manfred Weber, party and parliamentary group leader of the European People's Party © JULIEN WARNAND
Are we still too naive about Russia?
Weber: We were extremely naive for a long time.
I warned early.
Now we have to learn the right lessons quickly and consistently.
That means being so strong that Putin doesn't give a thought to challenging us.
EPP leader Weber: “Macron and Scholz have divided the West”
How seriously do you take the recent threats?
Weber: Unfortunately, we have to take everything that comes from Moscow seriously.
But we must not act out of fear and uncertainty.
The only message Putin understands is when we show strength.
This also applies against the background of the US election.
We have to take into account that Donald Trump will come back into office.
That's why we have to defend ourselves.
Time is running out.
Concrete?
Weber: The European defense pillar must be expanded quickly.
We need standardization of weapons systems and joint procurement of defense equipment as well as a defense commissioner.
A common cyber defense and a European missile defense shield would be necessary.
You've had these demands for years.
Why isn't anything happening?
Weber: Unfortunately, we are experiencing a failure on the part of top European politicians.
Olaf Scholz is dividing his own government with his politically incorrect statements about the Taurus rockets.
Then there is Emmanuel Macron, who irritates everyone with his demand for ground troops.
France would then be a participant in the war.
Both have divided the West in the past week.
But we need solid leadership.
“Putin was made enough offers”
As Chancellor of Peace, Scholz will certainly strike a chord with many Germans.
Can the Union win elections by demanding Taurus deliveries?
Weber: Historically, the Union has always been on the right side.
Think of rearmament after the Second World War or the NATO double decision.
We are still right today.
Putin has been made enough offers of social democratic appeasement policy over the years - Greetings from Gerhard Schröder.
Putin did not accept.
These approaches have failed.
Where is your red line?
Weber: We have to support Ukraine with all our might, but we must not become a warring party ourselves.
Our goal is to secure peace in the EU.
Interview: Christian Deutschländer and Mike Schier