Greens rallying in Brussels: Choose courage, vote Green
Brussels, 3 May 2024 - The European Greens gather today for their election rally under the slogan "Choose Courage". Lead candidates Terry Reintke and Bas Eickhout presented to a motivated crowd the Greens' solutions on how to solve the social and climate crises confronting Europe. At the core of their campaign rally is their determination to confront the growing far-right threat to European democracies.
Terry Reintke, lead candidate of the European Greens, told the Greens’ rally: “Despite the threat posed by the anti-European far-right forces, Ursula von der Leyen has opened the door to a coalition with the far-right ECR. It is clear that the European elections will be a crossroads for Europe. The votes of the citizens will decide whether Europe will be led by an alliance that includes the far right, which is dismantling the EU from within, or by a majority of pro-European parties”.
On Monday, after questions from Green lead candidate Bas Eickhout during the Maastricht debate, EPP leader Ursula von der Leyen admitted that she leaves the door open to a coalition with the far-right European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR). Von der Leyen failed to exclude them in clear sentences.
The European Conservatives and Reformists ECR are the European umbrella of Vox (Spain), PiS (Poland), Reconquête (France), the Sweden Democrats, the Finns party, and the post-fascist Fratelli d’Italia of Giorgia Meloni.
Reintke at the Rally: “As Greens, we make it clear that we will not cooperate with the far right. A lot is at stake. If far right forces start grabbing power on the European level, this will threaten the future of the Green Deal, fundamental rights, and the future of the European project as a whole. That is why we ask von der Leyen to urgently clarify. We also call on liberals and socialists to rally behind our call for a free and democratic Europe that prevents the ECR parties from taking power in Europe.”
Bas Eickhout, lead candidate of the European Greens: "In these European elections, the climate crisis is at stake. And that crisis is connected to so many other crises facing the European people: security, extreme weather and costs of living. We need a solid Green and Social deal, instead of allowing the European People's Party (EPP) and the Liberals of Renew to protect the status quo. The Greens propose a massive investment plan to strengthen a future proof European economy. A Green Industrial deal that breaks away from polluting and fossil-addicted production methods. Only that creates jobs, safe and healthy living and new perspectives for all. We have both the vision and the courage to fight the vested interests and we challenge EPP to join us on that path."
The European Green election rally showed a united front of Green parties from different European countries and a sharp increase in support by volunteers. Bas Eickhout concluded: "We are fired up to campaign. Even more, we are fired up to empower voters to resist cynicism or despair on our collective future. We offer a progressive alternative to save our planet and empower future generations. It's voters of all ages who are in the driver's seat and we call on them to use their vote for Europe, for democracy and for freedom. As European Greens, we pledge to defend these values against populists and the far-right. Let's vote green and choose courage."