Tisza Party challenges Manfred Weber's EPP leadership plans

Internal challenges are emerging within the European People's Party (EPP) as Eszter Lakos, a representative of the Hungarian Tisza Party, challenges Manfred Weber's leadership plans. Twelve candidates are competing for ten vice-presidential positions, a process governed by strict gender quotas requiring at least four women and four men to be elected.

The Hungarian delegation argues that their leadership aspirations are justified by the political significance of defeating Viktor Orbán. Securing a vice-presidential role would grant the Tisza Party substantial influence over EPP working groups and policy directions. The leadership contest is further complicated by anonymous emails and media leaks, potentially impacting the political standing of Weber and his allies, such as François-Xavier Bellamy.