European PP Backs Teresa Ribera for Vice Presidency Amidst Political Maneuvering
On Wednesday, Manfred Weber, the president of the European People's Party (EPP), communicated to his party's Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) that they would support the appointment of Teresa Ribera as the First Vice President of the European Commission in Ursula von der Leyen's new administration, as reported by El HuffPost. Ribera, who currently serves as the third vice president of the Spanish government, will oversee responsibilities related to competition and the green transition in her new role.
Weber's decision underscores the political strategy of the Spanish People's Party (PP) led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, who has recently taken a critical stance against the new Commission with the intent of obstructing Ribera's nomination. This tactic has raised eyebrows in Brussels and, while it has delayed the appointment process, it appears unlikely to derail it entirely.
Feijóo's team suggested that Ribera might face significant legal complications in the future due to her involvement in the DANA disaster, leading to an ultimatum: they would only support her appointment if she agreed to resign should she face indictment related to the incident. However, skepticism about the effectiveness of this approach exists within the ranks of popular MEPs. Some party sources noted, ‘This is part of a much broader pact—Brussels is not Madrid, even though it has been intoxicated by it.’
In Genoa, discussions indicated that the pressure exerted against Ribera had successfully shifted attention away from their own provincial president, Carlos Mazón, regarding his handling of the DANA situation.
The backing of Ribera’s appointment is expected to be part of a broader agreement among the EPP, along with socialist and liberal parties, to support candidates from Giorgia Meloni's party, Raffaele Fitto, and Viktor Orbán’s party, Olivér Várhelyi, as well. This coalition signals an intricate web of political negotiations within the European Commission framework, showcasing how party dynamics and regional tactics play a crucial role in EU governance.
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