The Greens in the European Parliament will elect their new leaders on Tuesday to reverse their declining influence amid Europe's rightward shift and prepare for the 2029 elections.
Reasons for Leadership Change
This vote is part of the mid-term changes in the Parliament, where many key positions are changing. The Greens are voting now because Bas Eickhout resigned as group leader and Member of Parliament in May. Eickhout was not only the face of the Greens in Parliament but also one of the most recognized Members of Parliament in Brussels and the Netherlands.
Competition for Leadership
As other group leaders expect to remain in their positions or have made agreements for succession, the Greens' vote will likely be the only open leadership competition in these changes. The Greens traditionally elect two co-chairs, and four candidates are vying for support from the 53 representatives of this group.
All four candidates generally support a shift towards aggressive campaigning for the 2029 elections and hope to recover from the heavy losses of the 2024 elections.
Candidates and Their Approaches
Rintke from Germany, who has led the group since 2022, is recognized as one of the main candidates. He believes that the Greens can make an impact through operational negotiations but also calls for a more assertive approach. He emphasizes the importance of foreign relations and being present among the people.
Ștefănuță is also presented as an experienced candidate in communication and garnering support from smaller representatives, while Lövin has entered the race emphasizing her experience in EU policymaking and credible outcomes for the Greens.
Matthew positions himself as a grassroots campaigner and operational negotiator, advocating for standing firm against environmental rollbacks. He stresses the need for transparency and standing against unacceptable decisions.
The vote will take place on Tuesday, and a press conference to announce the results is scheduled for 6:15 PM.
