A battle against the far right, and for the Green Deal

The upcoming European elections are crucial to stop the far right from seizing power and dismantling the Green Deal. The European Greens, during today's Eurovision debate, will emphasise their dedication to combating climate change, and urge the Liberals and Conservatives to stop flirting and working with the far right.

Terry Reintke, representing the European Greens at the debate, stated: "Freedom and democracy are on the ballot in these elections. Far-right candidates, often backed by Russia, threaten our open, democratic, and progressive Europe. The far right challenges democratic rights, freedom of the press, and the rights of women and minorities. The Greens will defend our freedoms against the far right and Putin. The European elections on 6-9 June are about courage and freedom."

Since the 2019 elections, the Greens have spearheaded the Green Deal. However, the rise of populism and the far right threatens this essential climate policy. About a year ago, an unholy alliance of the European People's Party (EPP), Liberals, and the far right (ECR and ID) began dismantling key elements of the Green Deal, such as the Nature Restoration Law. Intensifying climate disasters, including last summer's heat waves and recent extreme weather events in Germany and Italy, underscore the urgent need for climate action.

Terry Reintke emphasised: "The Greens will continue to tackle climate change with the urgency it demands. Conservatives and Liberals have already started to kill the Green Deal. But the Greens are committed to take the Green Deal forward. We have the courage to prioritise people and the planet over profit. Our Green and Social Deal leaves no one behind. We aim to invest in home insulation to cut energy costs, promote renewable energy to free Europe from fossil fuel dependency and autocrats, and create new jobs. We look forward to voter support to realise this vision."

Recent political developments highlight the stakes. The Dutch VVD (ALDE, Renew Europe) allied with Geert Wilders' far-right PVV. Croatia’s HDZ (EPP) formed a government with the far-right Homeland Movement. At a Vox event in Madrid, Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni (ECR) together with Marine Le Pen (ID), celebrated Donald Trump, and Argentina’s far-right president Javier Milei. Maximilian Krah, lead candidate of Alternative für Deutschland (ID), made negationist comments defending the Waffen-SS.

Terry Reintke concludes: "The European People's Party, and the Liberals of ALDE and Renew Europe, must urgently clarify their stance on the European level. Will they defend European democracy? Or will they work together with the far right European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) and Identity and Democracy (ID) in the European parliament ? Greens across Europe are standing firm against the far right, vowing never to ally with them. No pasaran."