Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that he could become the chief negotiator for the European People’s Party (EPP) after the European elections on June 9, according to Euractiv.
The Greek leader urged citizens to vote for his ruling New Democracy party on Monday.
It is of great importance to me when I go back to negotiate in the European Council or on behalf of the European People’s Party because I am very likely to play this role the next day.
He then responded to a question about whether he would be EPP’s chief negotiator.
It is something that I think is very likely to happen, but for this to happen and to be completely sure, it is good that the New Democracy is still the largest – percentage-wise – party in the EPP.
Currently, New Democracy is the strongest party in power in the country. It is leading in all national polls ahead of the EU elections. However, a sharp rise in prices could create problems for it.
Together with Polish President Donald Tusk, Mitsotakis nominated Ursula von der Leyen as the EPP candidate for the EU elections. The EPP stated that it wanted to co-operate with “healthy elements” of the national-oriented European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) forces, such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy.
However, the potential co-operation with the ECR provoked a sharp reaction from the EU Socialists. They said they would not sit at the same table to form a pro-European coalition in the European Parliament if an ECR member was present.
No plan B
Mitsotakis insisted that the EPP would come first in the election and have “the right” to choose the next president of the European Commission.
Our choice is Ms. von der Leyen. There is no plan B […] It’s a done decision of the EPP.
According to the latest Europe Elects forecasts, the EPP will take first place with 180 seats. If von der Leyen seeks re-electing as president of the EU Commission, she would need the support of 361 EU lawmakers.
The votes of the Socialists and the EU Liberals would be needed to form a pro-European coalition. However, both have ruled out co-operation with the ECR. Meanwhile, some speculate that the EPP is seeking to build a sustainable coalition with the Socialists and Liberals.
The party is also looking to partner with an alternative national-oriented majority in case of disagreement with legislation from S&D and Renew.
