We could withdraw from the von der Leyen coalition: Renew chief Valérie Hayer
We put it to Hayer that the EPP has not sided with the far right in the great majority of votes over the past year. "But when you look at the most important files in the European Parliament, they decided consciously to make a deal with the far right. I can give you lots of examples," Hayer responds. "Nothing can be achieved with the far right, because the far right just wants to undermine Europe," she adds.
We ask Hayer how France is going to deal with its huge public debt, while at the same time increase its defence spending by €3.5 billion in 2026. Is it not a contradiction to spend more money while also making austerity cuts? "We have to push for more investment at the national but also at the European level," Hayer responds. "We are under threat with disinformation, cyberattacks and so on. And President Macron had also a very pro-European stance when he decided and announced this increase in defence spending. So I think we don't have any other choice."
On the subject of public spending, the EU Commission has now made its proposal for the next big seven-year EU budget, and it represents an increase on the current 2021-2027 budget, which Hayer helped to negotiate. "We want to have a strong competitiveness fund to support our industries," Hayer says. "We also want to have a 'European preference' with local content [in strategic investments]. And a key demand from our group is that we want a strong commitment vis-a-vis the rule of law, especially with the smart conditionality, which means no euros going to autocrats and governments who don't respect our common rules. But on the ground, mayors and NGOs should still benefit from [EU] money."
Hayer also talks about US President Donald Trump and his stated intent to impose 30 percent tariffs on EU imports on August 1. "First of all, nobody has any interest in this trade war. Nobody. Neither the EU, nor the US," she answers. "Now, the unity of Europe is absolutely key. Of course we should support the Commission strategy and leave the political space for negotiation. But if on the 1st of August we don't have enough in the negotiations, let's not be shy. We are a power. We have a huge market that is interesting for US companies, and we should have these countermeasures to convey the message to Donald Trump that we will not be fooled."
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