Weber is likely one of the most influential individuals in Brussels — arguably second solely to Fee President Ursula von der Leyen. The choice to nominate Vandenkendelaere was the most recent in a sequence of maneuvers Weber has executed to tighten his grip on the EPP equipment. However Bakolas’ open insubordination is unprecedented.
Looming behind the personnel dispute is a bigger conflict over the path of the EPP, which beneath Weber’s management has cozied as much as hard-right leaders like Giorgia Meloni. The rapprochement — Weber met with Meloni in Rome this summer season — has angered some contained in the EPP who consider the Bavarian politician is yanking the get together too far to the fitting.
Weber allies say he’s decided to totally capitalize on the EPP’s rising energy and see its gamers within the EU establishments work extra seamlessly with the nationwide events.
The get together’s presidency committee met Monday earlier than the political meeting began. The result of the assembly was that Weber, as EPP president, would signal a contract that will make Vandenkendelaere his head of Cupboard, in accordance with an excerpt of a paper circulated and adopted at that assembly, considered by Playbook.
Whereas the EPP group is all about MEPs, the EPP get together exists to serve nationwide leaders and events. Bakolas, who’s near Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, seems to be making a chance that EPP-linked leaders corresponding to Polish PM Donald Tusk, Finnish PM Petteri Orpo and German Christian Democratic Union chief Friedrich Merz will again him and intervene to rein in Weber.
In the event that they don’t, it will solidify Weber’s place because the unassailable EPP high canine.