Europe’s Conservatives Rally Behind Merz as von der Leyen Steps Back
BERLIN – European People’s Party (EPP) leaders convened in Berlin on Saturday to rally behind Friedrich Merz, the candidate they believe will become Germany’s next chancellor and bring the nation back into the fold of their influential center-right political bloc.
“Large parts of Europe are looking forward to a stable government and a Chancellor Friedrich Merz,” declared Manfred Weber, the leader of the EPP, following the meeting.
While it’s unclear how much of Europe has truly focused on Merz, the stakes are undeniably high. In just five weeks, Germans will cast their votes in a pivotal election. Recent polls indicate Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) remains the frontrunner with around 30% support, but the center-right bloc appears to be losing momentum as far-right parties gain traction.
For the EPP, Germany’s return to its political family would be a significant victory. As the European Union’s dominant force, Germany’s alignment with the EPP would bolster the group’s already substantial influence. The gathering underscored the importance of this alliance, with nine EPP heads of state and government, along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, traveling to Berlin to show their support. The event also marked von der Leyen’s first public appearance following a recent pneumonia-induced hiatus.
The CDU, the largest branch of the EPP, represents about one-third of the party’s lawmakers in the European Parliament. Despite its historical dominance, the party’s narrow defeat in the 2021 German election relegated it to the opposition benches, diminishing its sway in EU affairs. The EPP’s messaging in Berlin made it clear that a Merz-led government would restore the CDU’s central role in shaping Europe’s future.
During the meeting, EPP leaders endorsed two policy documents that largely echoed the CDU’s election platform. The first, a four-page manifesto, called for cutting back EU-level regulations, a move some critics argue von der Leyen’s Green Deal has exacerbated. Despite her team’s involvement in drafting the document, the final version suggested her efforts to reduce red tape have fallen short.
The second document outlined the EPP’s political priorities for 2025, which Weber described as the foundation for von der Leyen’s upcoming Commission agenda. Both texts emphasized a push for de-bureaucratization across Europe, a cornerstone of Merz’s platform.
“The party stands behind the Merz plan for de-bureaucratization in Europe,” Weber declared during the event. The message was unmistakable: with Merz at the helm, the CDU would reclaim its position as a driving force in EU policymaking.
A strong, stable Germany that is firmly rooted in the European project. With Friedrich Merz, we are confident that Germany will not only regain its leadership role in Europe but also reaffirm its commitment to the values and policies that have made the European Union a beacon of freedom, prosperity, and unity,” declared EPP President Manfred Weber during the gathering in Berlin. The meeting underscored the urgency for the EPP to strengthen its influence and navigate the complex political landscape of the EU, especially as it faces challenges from rising populist movements and shifting global dynamics.
Merz, a seasoned politician known for his pro-European stance and economic liberalism, outlined his vision for Germany’s future, emphasizing the need for fiscal duty, robust transatlantic relations, and a united Europe capable of addressing pressing issues like climate change, digital transformation, and geopolitical instability. “Germany’s strength lies in its ability to lead by example, both domestically and on the international stage. Together with our European partners, we can build a future that is secure, sustainable, and just,” merz asserted.
As the EPP solidifies its support for Merz, the stakes for Germany and the EU could not be higher. The coming months will be pivotal in determining whether Merz can galvanize widespread support and steer Germany back toward the center-right political tradition. For Europe, his potential leadership represents an possibility to strengthen the continent’s cohesion and resilience in an era of unprecedented challenges. With determination and unity, the EPP and its allies are poised to shape the future of Germany—and the European Union—for years to come.
The Berlin gathering of European People’s Party (EPP) leaders underscores the critical juncture at which European and German politics currently stand. With Friedrich Merz poised as the CDU’s candidate to reclaim the chancellorship, the EPP has made a bold statement about its vision for Germany’s role in Europe.The event not only rallied support for Merz but also reaffirmed the EPP’s commitment to a center-right agenda that prioritizes stability,reduced regulation,and a stronger voice for Germany within the European Union.
As Germany approaches its pivotal election, the stakes extend far beyond national borders. A CDU victory under Merz would not only signal a political resurgence for the party but also strengthen the EPP’s influence in shaping Europe’s future. However,the challenges are important,with the rise of far-right parties and the CDU’s narrowing lead in the polls highlighting the volatile nature of the political landscape.
The presence of high-profile EPP leaders,including Ursula von der Leyen,at the Berlin meeting emphasized the bloc’s recognition of Germany’s pivotal role in the EU. For the EPP, a Merz-led government would represent more than a domestic victory—it would be a strategic triumph in reinforcing the center-right’s dominance in European politics. As the countdown to the German election begins, all eyes will be on whether Merz and the CDU can deliver on this promise, reshaping not only Germany’s trajectory but also the future of the European Union.