Manfred Weber, a German lawmaker and head of the European People’s Party, has rejected reports that his group will drop its refusal to cooperate with Alternative for Germany at the state and federal level in coming years amid growing support for the German party.
“The barrier is still up,” Weber told the Funke Medie Group, adding that Alternative for Germany “is not just a political competitor, but an adversary and an enemy.”
Weber, who is also co-leader of the national Christian Social Union, warned that far-right plans to dismantle the European Union would harm Germany’s economy and security.
Asked if the EPP’s contacts with Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni contradict positions towards the extreme right, Weber stressed the importance of working with all European governments to address the migration issue.
“We need Italy too,” Weber said, adding that fears of unlimited immigration benefit Alternative for Germany. “We are currently working with Italy to implement a migration agreement with Tunisia. This will reduce arrivals (of migrants) to the EU.”
Two lawmakers from the Christian Social Union caused alarm in Germany this week by voting together with Alternative for Germany in the national legislature for the first time. Both later said it was a mistake.
FUENTE: Associated Press
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