Brussels (Brussels Morning) – Conservative MEPs in Italy introduce a ‘Charter’ ahead of EU elections, emphasizing Christian values and opposing ‘wokism’ while seeking alliances with centre-right parties.
A bunch of right-wing MEPs have united together to establish a “Conservative Values Charter” ahead of the summer’s EU Parliament elections. Some say that Europe’s elections are trending rightward, raising the probability of radicals and reactionaries wielding more power in the next parliament.
With European polls trending rightwards in multiple countries, the release of the manifesto by members of the European Conservatives and Reformists group (ECR) observes another major phase in the race for European elections. The group pointedly selected to present their manifesto in the ancient city of Subiaco, which has long been connected with St Benedict – whom they credit with enabling to preservation of classical traditions and “the values of European conservatism”.
ECR co-chair Nicola Procaccini explained that European conservatives’ “fundamental principles” are founded on “Christian values”. Several MEPs from the group’s different parties were present. Jorge Buxadé of the right-wing Spanish party Vox, who functions as the ECR’s vice president, highlighted at the event that the group’s common matters override its members’ differences.
“Even if there are distinctions between us, if we have values in common we can perform together and become the most powerful group within the European Parliament,” he stated, “if not in this legislature, in the next one for sure.” Procaccini, meanwhile, stated that with Viktor Orbán’s party, Fidesz should not be deemed beyond the pale.
“Orbán has supported all the proposed sanctions against Russia and has sustained financial assistance to Ukrainian civilians,” Procaccini said. “Of course, he has his point of view on several topics, but he has proven to be consistent with the European system. “Today, those who enjoy demonising him do so to weaken the opponent and win.”
Moreover, The group objects to ‘wokism’, praises the ‘traditional family’, and aims to preserve ‘Judeo-Christian values’. “Our aim here is to rewrite our constitution in terms of values so that during the European elections, people will know who the European conservatives are and what they do for the future of the European Union,” stated Nicola Procaccini.
Desiring a Friendship With the Centre-Right
According to Procaccini, the manifesto will mirror views similar to the EPPs. He also expressed delight that the centre-right party has moved towards a more conservative stance, leaving the Socialists and Greens behind. “We are very happy that the EPP now thinks the same as us (…) we think that all together we can remove some errors from the Green Deal, and jointly we can have a more balanced ecological transition,” declared Procaccini.
Meanwhile, the EPP’s manifesto has embraced a stronger stance on migration, and the party’s legislators in the European Parliament have also toned down ambitions on the EU’s Green agenda, voting against milestone files such as the Nature Restoration Law. The EPP’s election lead candidate, current Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, has also demonstrated interest in allying with ECR members, offering a more conservative side than during her five-year mandate.
Despite von der Leyen meaning that some ECR delegations could combine with the EPP and the Italian centre-right Forza Italia wanting Fratelli d’Italia to join, Procaccini, a member of Meloni’s party, abandoned the idea. “This is unbelievable because we conduct our family, a family with strong roots, strong tradition, we don’t want to go away from that,” he stated.
Moreover, the EPP’s standing is quite far from the ECR’s views on key issues such as civil rights. Centre-right leaders have also made it very clear that they seek to carry a majority with the Socialists (S&D) and the Liberals (Renew Europe). Nevertheless, according to Proaccini, “now is the point” for conservative forces to have a larger influence on EU policies by looking to build on the victory of the EPP across the EU and pointing out that the party will dominate the next Commission.
