On Thursday 23 May, the main leaders of the European party lists outlined their programmes in a final electoral debate organised at the European Parliament, with just over 2 weeks to go before the elections.
While the positions taken by Ursula von der Leyen (German) for the EPP, Nicolas Schmit (Luxembourger) for the PES, Sandro Gozi (Italian) for the ALDE, Terry Reintke (German) for the Greens and Walter Baier (Austrian) for The Left, on the war in Ukraine, defence, climate change, migration and the economy and employment, were no surprise, the debate was held in the absence of representatives from the ECR and ID groups, whose parties, despite leading the polls in a number of areas, did not nominate a ‘Spitzenkandidat’.
Although ID had complained to the EBU about its exclusion (see EUROPE 13410/15), the moderators reiterated that it was linked to the absence of a ‘Spitzenkandidat’.
The hour and 45-minute debate focused largely on possible alliances between the European right, led by the EPP, but also between the European Liberals and far-right groups such as Giorgia Meloni’s party.
Questioned several times on this subject by the other candidates, Ursula von der Leyen reiterated her line, not ruling out working with MEPs who are “pro-Europe, pro-Ukraine, against Putin and pro-Rule of law”.
She also dismissed the possibility of a rapprochement with parties currently belonging to ID, such as the French Rassemblement National, which are “friends of Putin” and “want to destroy Europe”.
In the Netherlands, Mark Rutte’s Liberals from the VVD have entered into a coalition with Geert Wilders’ PVV (far right), while the Liberal Sandro Gozi has also been challenged by his rivals. Like Renew Europe group leader Valérie Hayer (French) on 10 May, he condemned this alliance, “which is a major mistake” (see EUROPE 13414/18).
“I will fight Éric Zemmour or Marine Le Pen and we will say no to the far right”, he said, pointing out that the group would be discussing the VVD’s position on 10 June.
For the rest, the debate provided an opportunity for the candidates to reiterate their positions on a number of key issues identified by the organisers. On the economy and employment, the Socialist reiterated the need to reduce poverty and create quality jobs, as well as investing in skills.
The Greens candidate called for the green transition to go hand in hand with new, high-quality jobs. She warned against “the biggest mistake” being “a return to austerity”.
The Left candidate called on the EU to be more concrete in the social field, particularly on housing, to regulate rents.
The debate then turned to the war in Ukraine and European defence, with the Liberal candidate recalling his family’s call for “a €100 billion fund” for defence and the creation of Eurobonds. Terry Reintke also defended a European defence fund and the end of unanimity in foreign policy.
The President of the Commission stressed that work should continue on both arming Ukraine to enable it to defend itself and strengthening the European defence industry. Like Ms Reintke, Ms von der Leyen also called for new own resources to enable the EU to fulfil all its tasks.
Walter Baier asked her about Gaza and Israel. The President reiterated her position, between condemning the Hamas massacres of 7 October 2023 and Israel’s right to defend itself, but in compliance with international law and with the duty to protect civilian lives. And she expressed her support for the two-state solution.
The debate also focused on migration issues, with Nicolas Schmit once again criticising the agreement between the EU and Tunisia.
The Greens candidate, for her part, condemned the toxicity of the debates in the Member States, which are not providing solutions “for an ageing Europe”. She advocated new legal avenues.
While the President of the Commission wanted the EU to be able to “decide who comes to Europe and not the smugglers or traffickers”, she also advocated clear legal channels, which the EU needs, given that this type of migration “works” when the beneficiaries are well integrated.
The debate again focused on climate change and the potentially negative impact of the ‘European Green Deal’ on economic growth, with the Socialist candidate calling for massive investment and the mobilisation of new resources to make these policies socially acceptable to everyone. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)