Key Highlights
- The European People’s Party (EPP) and “far-right” groups in the European Parliament may form a right-wing alliance.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz demands a repeat vote on the Supply Chain Directive, citing the failure of EPP’s plan to weaken it.
- A potential majority is emerging with the EPP, the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), and Patriots for Europe (PfE).
- The CDU party in Germany is reconsidering its stance against cooperation with AfD due to rising calls from within the party.
Increasing Right-Wing Alliance in EU Parliament and Germany
Signs of a strengthening right-wing coalition in both the European Parliament (EP) and German politics are becoming increasingly apparent, according to recent developments. This alliance could significantly alter the political landscape within these institutions.
The EP’s Potential Shift
A key factor driving this shift is the failure of the EPP’s plan last week to weaken the Supply Chain Directive. According to an analysis in German Foreign Policy, the move was rejected by members of the Social Democrat group during a secret ballot vote. In response, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that such outcomes are “unacceptable,” stating, “This situation cannot continue.”
EP President Roberta Metsola (EPP) has indicated that a new vote could be held with an alternative majority. This suggests the EP’s ability to secure support from groups further to the right, such as the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) and Patriots for Europe (PfE).
Chancellor Merz’s Criticism and Call for Change
Metsola mentioned at the EU summit that a majority capable of weakening the supply chain directive could only be achieved with a different party constellation. This includes cooperation between the EPP, ECR, and PfE.
Merz has been vocal in his criticism of the EP’s decision, calling it “unacceptable” and emphasizing that this situation must change. The move to repeat the vote on the Supply Chain Directive is seen as a clear indication of the importance of democratic decisions within the EP.
The CDU’s Potential Shift
Meanwhile, there are growing calls for some form of cooperation with the AfD (Alternative für Deutschland) party within Germany’s ruling CDU (Christian Democratic Union). Former CDU General Secretary Peter Tauber has suggested that “decisions accepted by the AfD should be allowed to pass,” while Andreas Rödder supports a “willingness for conditional dialogue” as long as the AfD respects certain “red lines.”
Even at the federal level, some Christian Democrats do not strongly oppose cooperation with the AfD. However, Chancellor Merz is pushing his party and public debate to open up to the AfD’s positions on key issues.
The Impact of AfD’s Policy Shifts
AfD has also emphasized its willingness to cooperate with the US and NATO. According to a report, the parliamentary group has prepared motions calling for a “new beginning in German-American relations” based on the political positions of a Trump administration.
This shift aligns with the CDU’s requirement that potential far-right partners must be “pro-European, pro-NATO, pro-rule of law, and pro-Ukraine.” The AfD’s transatlantic shift could potentially reduce some barriers to cooperation with the CDU, despite ongoing tensions over immigration policies.
In conclusion, these developments suggest a significant realignment in both EU and German politics. The EPP’s potential alliance with “far-right” groups in the EP and the growing openness of the CDU towards the AfD highlight the evolving nature of right-wing coalitions within European institutions.
