Rival German lawmakers plot pact to shut out EU far right

Rival German lawmakers Niclas Herbst and René Repasi are plotting a new political strategy aimed at excluding far-right influence from European Union policymaking. The two senior figures represent the country's center-right Christian Democrats and center-left Social Democrats, respectively, and are pushing for a formalized collaboration between their political factions to counter growing populist pressures. Their proposal seeks to replace the current fragmented alliance supporting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with a structured partnership modeled after Germany’s domestic political system. This move comes amid concerns that reliance on far-right support has weakened the effectiveness of centrist governance in Brussels. The plan was revealed during a rare joint appearance by Herbst and Repasi, who sat side by side in Repasi’s office in Brussels. They emphasized the urgent need for unity among centrist groups to prevent extremist voices from gaining more power. According to recent polling data, the three largest centrist political families, EPP, Renew, and Greens, are projected to lose nearly 50 seats in the upcoming 2029 EU elections. This decline threatens to further destabilize the European Parliament, where far-right and far-left parties are poised to gain ground. The breakdown in cooperation between the EPP and S&D has been exacerbated since the 2024 EU elections, when far-right parties made significant gains. The EPP, which includes Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has increasingly turned to far-right allies to secure legislative victories. Recent examples include passing laws related to immigration, environmental regulations, and economic policy, all of which required support from right-wing factions. This shift has created tensions within the European Parliament, making it harder for centrist groups to advance their agendas without compromising their principles. Herbst and Repasi argue that the current ad-hoc approach to negotiation is unsustainable. Instead, they propose adopting a German-style coalition framework, where the two major centrist groups would establish clear rules for decision-making and turn-taking. Under this model, disputes would be resolved through institutional mechanisms rather than individual backroom deals. Repasi suggested that such an arrangement could help stabilize the European Parliament and provide greater certainty for the European Commission, which has faced increasing uncertainty due to shifting alliances and frequent vetoes. The proposed pact would also aim to reduce the political pressure on von der Leyen. Herbst noted that the lack of cohesion among centrist groups has led to unpredictable outcomes in key votes, such as the recent rejection of the EU-Mercosur trade deal. By creating a more unified front, the two parties hope to ensure smoother passage of major initiatives and strengthen the credibility of the European project. Repasi warned that continued distrust between centrist groups could lead to a complete fracture in the European Parliament, resulting in a “political catastrophe.” He argued that without a renewed commitment to dialogue, the current system risks being overwhelmed by populist forces. Herbst echoed these concerns, stating that failure to address internal divisions would give “even more ammunition to the populists from the left and the right.” As the 2029 elections draw closer, the success of this initiative will depend on whether the leadership of both major German parties can overcome historical rivalries and commit to a shared vision for European governance. If implemented, the proposed coalition could mark a turning point in the struggle against rising extremism in the EU. For now, however, the path forward remains uncertain.