Manfred Weber, leader of Europe’s largest political party, is set to run for reelection as president of the European People’s Party (EPP) at an upcoming congress, according to a party source speaking to Brussels Playbook.
Retaining his position would reinforce Weber’s influence over the EPP for another three years, securing German control over the center-right political bloc at a pivotal moment, just as Friedrich Merz is expected to step into the role of Chancellor in Germany.
Weber has held the EPP presidency for three years and was recently reelected as leader of its European Parliament group, a position he has held for more than a decade. If successful in April, his reelection would solidify his control over both the party and the group, despite criticisms that the dual role centralizes too much power.
As EPP president, Weber oversees a range of conservative parties, including Spain’s Partido Popular, Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), and France’s Les Républicains. At the same time, as the European Parliament group leader, he ensures coordination and unified votes among lawmakers from these parties.
Despite criticism of his dual leadership, Weber appears poised to win in April. Recently, he orchestrated a show of unity for the EPP in Berlin, with support from nine political leaders and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for Friedrich Merz.
Weber’s reelection is expected to be backed by both the CDU and the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU), which together hold a significant number of delegates. The vote at the congress, which will take place in Valencia, will be conducted by secret ballot, requiring a simple majority for Weber to secure his position.
