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EPP elects its lead candidate ahead of European elections

08/11/2018 10:47

The European People’s Party (EPP) will elect today, during its Congress taking place in Helsinki, its candidate for the European Commission presidency.
 
Two men are in the running: the leader of the EPP in the European Parliament since 2014, Manfred Weber, and the Vice President of the European Investement Bank and  former Finnish Prime Minister, Alex Stubb. Voting for the election of the EPP’s lead candidate will take place from 1030 to 1200 (Eastern European Time) and the result will be announced at 1300. A total of 758 candidates have the right to vote.
 
Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and a delegation of the ruling Democratic Rally (DISY) party, headed by its President, Averof Neofytou, are attending the congress, which Anastasiades will address this morning. DISY supports Weber to become EPP`s lead candidate.
 
On Wednesday evening delegates listened to a debate between Weber and Stubb, who will also deliver speeches at the congress this morning.
 
During the debate the two candidates elaborated their positions regarding ways to handle dangers which the EU is currently facing both from inside and outside. Each one expressed his views on how the Union should address problems such as the rise of populism and immigration, defending at the same time its values and principles, the rule of law, democracy and fundamental human rights.

Yesterday,  delegates debated how to deliver a secure, sustainable, prosperous and fair Europe to all the continent’s citizens and how to address Europe’s migration challenge. Four policy papers and nine resolutions were adopted, one of which was about the Cyprus problem talks.

Resolutions on protecting EU Values and Safeguarding of Democracy and a a prosperous and secure Europe were also adopted.