Nicola Procaccini of the ECR group predicts the next Commission will be centre-right

Nicola Procaccini, co-chair of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group, is predicting a shift towards a more right-wing European Commission following the upcoming EU elections. In an interview with Euronews, Procaccini criticized the current Commission for being too left-wing and expressed his belief that the next Commission will be more centrist.

Procaccini specifically called out European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Vice-President Frans Timmermans for their actions over the past five years. He believes that Timmermans, in particular, had too much power and implemented policies that were not in line with the group’s beliefs.

The ECR group, which opposes the Spitzenkandidat system, has not nominated a lead candidate for the upcoming elections. Procaccini did not confirm whether they would support von der Leyen or another EPP candidate in the next legislature, leaving the door open for potential alliances.

Procaccini emphasized the importance of stopping irregular immigration as the group’s primary objective in the next legislature. Despite being labeled as Eurosceptics due to their nationalist party members, Procaccini clarified that they are focused on returning to the original idea of the European Union as an alliance of nations working together on important issues.

As the MEP from Fratelli d’Italia, Procaccini reiterated his party’s opposition to further European integration and their support for nation states’ rights. He also stated that Fratelli d’Italia will not be joining the European People’s Party in the future.

Overall, Procaccini’s predictions and views provide insight into the potential direction of the European Commission and the political landscape following the upcoming EU elections.