The German chancellor gave an extensive interview to La Stampa in which she defends the values of a united Europe and closes the doors to the League's entry into the European People's Party. When asked if she was willing to open the entrance to Matteo Salvini's party, appreciated by the Hungarian Viktor Orban and Slavini himself, the chancellor replied "No". And she motivated it: “It is evident that we have different approaches, for example in migration policy. This is already one reason why the EPP cannot open up to Mr. Salvini's party".
Merkel confirms that the leading candidate for the EPP is Manfred Weber and that she will do her best to support him at the helm of the EU Commission. Returning to the League, the chancellor then adds even if the parties of the sovereign right voted for Weber – which obviously cannot be prevented – “it is certain that Weber in the election as president of the commission does not submit to the votes of these parties. Whether they vote for it or not, you can't influence it." As for the exclusion of Orban's party from the EPP, you say that the issue is "currently suspended". However, she adds, "the EPP will adopt a decision in due course".
In the long interview, which touches on the themes of Europe's relations with China, the USA, Russia and Turkey but also with European countries among themselves, Merkel maintains that the elections of 26 May are “special elections, of great importance. Many are worried about this Europe, I am too”. There is room for a reference to Italy: “I hope you find the way for greater growth. We all depend on each other. Nobody in the eurozone acts in an autarkic or isolated way. This also applies to Germany." The interview concludes with an invitation to "safeguard the values on which the European Union is based".
To the chancellor's position, anticipated by the agencies, the League replied piqued: “Their Europe is the one we want to change. We don't even think about joining Merkel's and Juncker's party”. Too bad that, until the day before, you had talked about conquering the Ppe.
