Reacting to the candidacy of Ursula von der Leyen, European Greens’ leading candidates Terry Reintke and Bas Eickhout asked questions on her positions regarding the far right, and the Green Deal.
Terry Reintke, Co-president of the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament and European Greens' leading candidate, said:
„If Ursula von der Leyen is also nominated by the European People’s party (EPP) as its lead candidate, we look forward to a tough but fair election campaign. The question for the EPP in the European elections is essential: will they work with authoritarian and far-right forces in the future that want to dismantle climate protection, social security and democracy in Europe? Or will they work with the pro-democratic and progressive forces to shape a secure, sustainable and democratic future for the citizens of Europe”.
Bas Eickhout, vice-president of the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament and European Greens' leading candidate, added:
„Now the EPP and von der Leyen must show whether they commit to the Green Deal - or whether they will continue to try to slow it down and reverse it. Voters need clarity on this. All member states have key issues to address in the coming years: the climate-neutral modernisation and long-term competitiveness of our economies, investment in our social infrastructure, and the fight against autocrats and the far right, both in Europe and the rest of the world. We Greens are clearly demonstrating that we want to tackle these challenges and take responsibility in Europe."
