German lawmakers propose formal centrist coalition to counter EU far right
German MEPs Niclas Herbst and René Repasi suggest creating a formal centrist coalition in the European Parliament, borrowing from Germany's grand coalition tradition to reduce far-right influence and stabilize lawmaking.
Centrist pact proposal
Niclas Herbst, the parliamentary leader of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democrats, and René Repasi, his counterpart from Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil's Social Democrats, have proposed a formal governance pact between the European Parliament's center-right and center-left. The aim is to replace the fragile alliance backing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with a structured coalition, similar to Germany's grand coalition.
The two MEPs argue that the current reliance of the European People's Party (EPP) on far-right votes to pass legislation is dangerous. According to a POLITICO poll of polls, the three centrist groups are projected to lose 49 seats at the next election, while populist forces are expected to gain. They warn that failure to cooperate will give extremists more influence in Brussels.
Key elements
Herbst and Repasi want to establish formal governance structures to resolve disputes and allow both camps to take turns advancing their priorities. They propose cross-file trade-offs, meaning concessions in one policy area could be compensated in another, fostering mutual trust. This would also reduce the unpredictability of key votes, such as January's decision to send the EU-Mercosur trade deal for judicial review.
Repasi warned that continued distrust could lead to a "political catastrophe," paralyzing the entire EU system. Since June 2024, the EPP has increasingly sided with far-right groups on issues like deportations, cutting green reporting requirements, and delaying anti-deforestation rules.
Reactions and hurdles
Responses have been cautious. A spokesperson for S&D leader Iratxe García said the idea is "nothing new" and was already on the table in 2024. The EPP's Manfred Weber did not comment. Herbst acknowledged that Weber might support a deal if it reflects the post-2024 rightward shift.
A major weakness is that MEPs have less incentive to follow party lines than national lawmakers, as the Parliament cannot be dissolved and the Commission does not fall with a lost majority. This was evident in October when an EPP-S&D agreement on cutting red tape collapsed after S&D lawmakers rebelled, prompting the EPP to vote with the far right. Repasi argues that involving more MEPs in negotiations would create greater ownership and discipline, criticizing the top-down approach of a few leaders.
Upcoming tests
The two groups will soon need to find common ground on divisive files, including plans to weaken the combustion-engine ban, simplify environmental rules, reform Frontex, and agree on the EU's long-term budget. Additionally, they must settle the question of the Parliament presidency: EPP's Roberta Metsola may seek a third term, but S&D insists it is their turn.
Herbst and Repasi point to Germany's tradition of grand coalitions as inspiration. They say their initiative is backed by their national leaders, with Klingbeil informed and Berlin valuing good cooperation. "Let's not talk too much about the past or personal relationships but look to the future," Herbst said.
