The European Social Democrats have threatened to withdraw their support for Ursula von der Leyen if she continues to cooperate with the far-right ECR group. This stance has been echoed by German Social Democratic Chancellor Olaf Scholz, indicating a potential block for von der Leyen’s further term. The SPD and its parties are firm in their stance against working with the far right, with top candidate Katarina Barley stating their refusal to collaborate with such groups. This sentiment is shared by other political groups in the European Parliament, including the S&D, Renew, Greens, and Left parties.
The debate about alliances with the far right has also extended to Finland during the European elections, with Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s comments on the EPP group’s cooperation with parties with fascist backgrounds sparking criticism from the SDP. This aligns with the European social democrats’ stance on not promoting the rise of the extreme right in Europe. The potential replacement for von der Leyen for another term could be Mario Draghi, who has support from French President Emmanuel Macron and some German Social Democrats.
However, von der Leyen needs the support of leaders like Scholz, Meloni, and Macron to continue, and this support appears to be wavering. The discussion around potential replacements for von der Leyen is ongoing, with Draghi seen as a possible candidate despite previously expressing disinterest in the position. The future of the European Commission presidency remains uncertain, with key political figures and parties taking varying stances on alliances with the far right and potential leadership changes.
