Debate between candidates for the EU Commission presidency excludes dissidents

Riks Europe covers the EBU Eurovision debate between the so-called “lead candidates for the Commission presidency“, highlighting how the exclusion of the ECR and ID parties raises questions of its legitimacy. During the debate, there was a remarkable consensus among participating parties, especially when it comes to their fear of the ‘far right’ and the new Dutch government coalition which includes Geert Wilders’ PVV party. Key issues discussed were the war in Ukraine, the Green Deal, and migration. Ursula von der Leyen faced criticism for considering cooperation with the ECR, which lays bare a certain ejection of democratic principles.