EU Commission President Should Reject Far-Right Support, German Chancellor Warns

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has urged that the next president of the European Commission not seek support from far-right parties, in light of their anticipated gains in next month's European Parliament elections. Scholz emphasized the need for the Commission presidency to rest on the support of traditional political groupings, excluding extremist elements.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has issued a stern warning against any potential cooperation between the next European Commission president and far-right parties, ahead of the upcoming European Parliament elections scheduled for June 6-9.

In a press conference following talks with his Portuguese counterpart Luis Montenegro in Berlin, Scholz declared that "the next European Commission must not rest on the support of a parliamentary majority that also needs the support of right-wing extremists." He expressed disappointment with recent ambiguous statements and reaffirmed that establishing a Commission presidency reliant on traditional party support is crucial for Europe's future.

Scholz's remarks come amid rising concerns over the growing influence of far-right parties in Europe. With the electoral landscape shifting, some have expressed openness to working with these groups, raising worries about potential alliances and the direction of EU policy.

Current Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a German conservative, is expected to seek a second term. She has been criticized for refusing to rule out collaborating with some members of parties further to the right, including the European Conservatives and Reformists group (ECR).

Leading members of the ECR hold views that challenge the EU's integration and enlargement processes and advocate for stricter immigration and environmental policies. Their stance has sparked concerns about the potential impact on EU cohesion and shared values.

Von der Leyen, when pressed to distance herself from the far-right during a debate, responded that possible scenarios would depend on the parliament's composition. However, Scholz's warning suggests growing unease over any potential power-sharing agreements involving extremist parties.

Meanwhile, political alliances within the European Parliament are undergoing changes. On Thursday, a right-wing group expelled the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party due to scandals involving its leading candidate. This move underscores the complexities within the far-right spectrum and the challenges of finding common ground among its various factions.

Scholz believes the rise of the far-right reflects uncertainties stemming from economic change, technological advancements, and climate concerns. He argues that developed countries can counter this trend by promoting modernizing and inclusive agendas that provide confidence and opportunities for all citizens.

The upcoming European Parliament elections will shape the future of EU policies and priorities. Scholz's warning highlights the importance of upholding democratic values, promoting unity and inclusivity, and rejecting extremism to ensure a stable and prosperous Europe in the years to come.