Weber, a member of the CSU, gained 89% of the votes, the same percentage as in his first election in Rotterdam in 2022. The vote took place despite widespread power outages in Spain that affected the congress. The meeting in Valencia, six months after devastating floods in the region, ultimately proceeded without major incidents.
In his speech, Weber called for a stronger common European defense policy and emphasized the importance of the social market economy as an alternative to authoritarian models. He warned against the rise of populism and criticized both left-wing parties and liberal factions that, in his view, are losing touch with ordinary citizens.
Weber condemned the policies of former EU Commissioner Frans Timmermans and positioned the EPP as a force behind a more economically realistic approach. At the same time, he announced that the party wants to develop a new political program to reposition the center-right ideology in Europe.
The election took place during a congress with broad attendance by influential European politicians, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German CDU leader and prospective Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who spoke about more German leadership in Europe. Merz promised support for European integration from his expected chancellorship.
Von der Leyen publicly praised Weber for his leadership and called a strong EPP the foundation for a strong Europe. She also emphasized that the EU’s internal market is the largest in the world and called for continuation of the restrictive migration policy and strengthening cooperation with neighboring countries.
Weber nominated Spanish politician Dolors Montserrat as the new secretary-general of the EPP. The vote on her appointment is expected shortly after the congress. According to Weber, she embodies the party’s direction and represents renewal within the EPP structure.
The congress ended with discussions on internal party reforms and the EPP’s future strategy. The party confirmed its position as the largest group in the European Parliament, with 188 seats, and indicated it would pragmatically approach cooperation with other groups to secure political influence.