During a conference of the Party of European Socialists in Bucharest, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned of the threats posed by right-wing populists ahead of the European Parliament elections in June. Scholz emphasized the importance of a united Europe and expressed concerns about the radical right gaining momentum in the upcoming election. The Socialists and Democrats Group, the second largest in the Parliament, is gearing up for the elections amidst a significant shift to the right in European politics.
Scholz stressed the need for a prosperous European Union capable of taking action as a response to populism and autocrats. He also reiterated Germany’s support for Ukraine, highlighting its importance in restoring peace in Europe. Despite leading an unpopular coalition, Scholz remains committed to his center-left party’s values in the face of growing support for the center-right opposition bloc and far-right parties like Alternative for Germany.
The rise of populism and extremist parties in the European Parliament elections was also addressed by Socialists and Democrats President Iratxe García Pérez. She warned that these parties pose a threat to the European project and called for unity among center-left parties to counter the right-wing surge. The recent meeting of the European People’s Party in Bucharest saw representatives endorsing Ursula von der Leyen’s bid for a second term as the head of the European Commission.
Nicolas Schmit, the Jobs and Social Rights Commissioner from Luxembourg, was chosen as the lead candidate for the Socialists and Democrats in Brussels’ top job. The next Commission chief will require approval from leaders of all EU member states, with many of them being members of the European People’s Party. The discussions in Bucharest highlight the political dynamics at play leading up to the European Parliament elections, with a focus on countering right-wing populism and strengthening the center-left’s position in the European Union.
