Europe EPP leader Weber confirmed in office
Manfred Weber (CSU) has been re-elected for a second three-year term as Chairman of the Christian Democratic Party of Europe (EPP) at the party conference. The 52-year-old, who had no opposing candidate, received 502 of the 563 valid votes cast in Valencia, according to the counting commission. Accordingly, 61 delegates voted against him. This gave Weber 89% approval - the same as his first election in Rotterdam in 2022, according to the report.
29.04.2025, 21:02
SDA
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Friedrich Merz (both CDU), whose election as German Chancellor is scheduled for 6 May, also traveled to Valencia. "Congratulations and good luck," said Weber to Merz, on whose future government the conservatives in Europe have high hopes.
Great applause for Merz
In his speech, Merz promised a policy to strengthen the European Union. Many expect more German leadership in Europe, added the CDU politician. The future German government would devote a great deal of energy to advancing Europe. "You can count on us," he said to great applause from the delegates.
"We are ready to form a government in Germany that will be one of the staunchest supporters of Europe," he promised.
European defense policy called for
In a speech to delegates, Weber claimed a leading role for the EPP in the fight against populist parties, in helping Ukraine and in strengthening the social market economy against countries with authoritarian forms of rule.
"The most important task of our generation, and all leading politicians have emphasized this in their speeches today, is a common defence 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
Von der Leyen paid great tribute to Weber and praised his "outstanding leadership qualities". She said that the EPP had won a resounding victory in the European elections: "Dear Manfred, you have made the EPP strong. And a strong EPP means a strong Europe," she emphasized to applause from the delegates.
In the 2024 European elections, the EPP gained nine seats to 188 in the European Parliament. It is the strongest force there. However, populist parties were also able to increase their presence.
Von der Leyen's figure spoke out in favor of continuing the more restrictive migration policy. "Illegal border crossings have fallen by 30 percent since the beginning of the year," she said. This shows that cooperation with southern neighbors is bearing fruit. However, deportation quotas must be increased. "It is unacceptable that only 20 percent of those whose asylum applications are rejected actually leave Europe," said the German politician.
Von der Leyen recruits foreign scientists
She also wanted to recruit more scientists from abroad. Excellence and innovation thrive through free research. "That is why we will make them offers so that they 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 brightest minds," said the medical graduate. Her words can be understood as a signal to American researchers, among others. Under US President Donald Trump, a number of job cuts and budget cuts have been set for US research.
Congress after power outage and flood disaster
The party congress, which was able to take place despite the massive power outage the day before, will end on Wednesday with decisions on internal party reforms. However, Valencia's mayor María José Catalá had to cancel her participation in a panel discussion at the start of the congress at short notice due to the power cut. She announced that she had to oversee the return to normality in her city.
The meeting is taking place in Valencia exactly six months after the devastating storm that claimed around 230 lives in the region. The Spanish Partido Popular (People's Party/PP) of opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo had feared as host that the congress could be overshadowed by protests against the conservative regional government. The crisis management of regional president Carlos Mazón is blamed for the high number of casualties. However, no major incidents have been reported.
