Meeting in Valencia: EPP boss Weber confirmed in office

Manfred Weber (CSU) has been re -elected at the party congress of the Christian Democratic party family of Europe (EPP) for a second three -year term as chairman of the party family. According to the counting commission, 502 of the 563 votes cast in Valencia, according to the counting commission, fell on the 52-year-old. 61 delegates voted against him. So Weber came up with an approval of 89 percent – just as much as in his first election in 2022 in Rotterdam, as it was said.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Friedrich Merz (both CDU), whose election as Chancellor is planned for May 6, also traveled to Valencia. “Congratulations and good luck,” said Weber in the direction of Merz, on whose future government the conservatives in Europe give great hopes.

Great applause for Merz

In his speech, Merz agreed to strengthen the European Union. Many expected more German leadership in Europe, added the CDU politician. The future German government will spend a lot of energy to advance Europe. “You can count on us,” he said with great applause from the delegates.

“We are ready to form a government in Germany that will be one of the most decisive supporters in Europe,” he promised.

European defense policy required

In a speech before the delegates, Weber complained a leading role for the EVP in the fight against populist parties, in helping help for Ukraine and strengthening the social market economy against countries with authoritarian forms of rule.

“The most important task of our generation, and all leading politicians today emphasized it in their speeches, is a common defense and foreign policy,” emphasized the politician from Bavaria in view of the Russian war of aggression and the dwindling US aid for Ukraine.

EU Commission President sees Europe strengthened by Weber

Weber paid great recognition from the Leyen and praised his “outstanding leadership qualities”. At the European elections, the EPP won a house -high victory, she said. “Dear Manfred, you made the EVP strong. And a strong EPP, that means a strong Europe,” she emphasized under the applause of the delegates.

In the 2024 European election, the EVP was able to improve by nine seats to 188 in the European Parliament. It is the strongest force there. But populist parties were also able to expand their presence.

The Leyen number advocated a continuation of the more restrictive migration policy. “Since the beginning of the year, illegal border crossings have decreased by 30 percent,” she said. This shows that the collaboration with southern neighbors bears fruits. However, the deportation rates would have to be increased. “It cannot be that only 20 percent of those whose asylum application is rejected actually leave Europe,” said the top German politician.

From the Leyen advertises foreign scientists

She also wanted to recruit more scientists from abroad. Excellence and innovation thrive through free research. “That’s why we will make offers for you so that you will choose Europe,” she said.

Freedom of science and research is one of the most important European values. “That is why Europe is open to the best and smartest minds,” said the studied doctor. Your words can be understood as a signal to American researchers. Under US President Donald Trump, a number of job cancellations and budget cuts were set for US research.

Congress after power failure and flood disaster

The party congress, which was able to take place despite the massive power failure from the previous day, ends on Wednesday with decisions about party reforms. However, Valencia’s mayor María José Catalá had to cancel her participation in a panel discussion at the start of the congress due to the power failure. She said that she had to monitor the return to normal in her city.

The meeting takes place in Valencia exactly six months after the devastating storm with around 230 fatalities in the region. The Spanish Partido Popular (People’s Party/PP) from opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo had feared that the congress of protests could be overshadowed against the conservative regional government. Regional President Carlos Mazón’s crisis management is held responsible for the high number of victims. However, no major incidents became known.