Socialists, Renew, Greens and the Left call for defending democracy from the radical right

Brussels – The progressive alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), Renew, the Greens/EFA, and the Left have signed a declaration calling, in view of the upcoming European elections (June 6-9), to limit the influence of radical right-wing parties. The aim is to create a pro-European coalition to defend the principles of freedom and democracy that underlie the birth of the European Union. What is causing discussion, however, is the absence among the signatories of the European People’s Party (EPP).

The statement came in the wake of the aggression suffered by socialist MEP Matthias Ecke by a group of young people belonging to the radical right. “We are facing a crucial moment in the history of our European project, in which the far right is attempting to bring back the darkest pages of our past, challenging everything we built and poisoning our democracies,” reads the declaration.

The document also emphasizes Russian interference in European politics aimed at influencing voters. Also of concern to the signatory parties is the number of politicians, including some MEPs, who have obtained funding from Moscow to influence choices in a pro-Russian capacity.

The commitment made by signing the declaration is to not ally with radical right forces. The European People’s Party preferred not to sign the document both because some parties adhering to the EPP already govern in individual states with the radical right, such as in Italy or Sweden, and to keep its hands free in view of the composition of the majority in the next Euro Chamber. The European People’s Party claims that the document is merely a pretext for campaigning.  According to a Euronews report, the EPP reportedly proposed changes, but these were not indulged. Nonetheless, Manfred Weber, Chairman of the European People’s Party, reiterated his complete solidarity with Ecke, recalling how “our principles are clear: we cooperate only with pro-European, pro-Ukrainian and pro-rule of law parties.”