The Power of Leadership: Wilfried Martens and the EPP’s Political Strategy (Interview With Marc Van Peel)
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- 2026
- OriginalPaper
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Abstract
Marc Van Peel served as chairman of the CVP from 1996 to 1999. The party was rebranded as CD&V in 2001. Prior to holding this position, Van Peel was a member of the Chamber of Representatives (1987–95) for the Antwerp electoral district. His contributions to Belgium’s political and social landscape extended beyond party politics, as he played an active role in the General Christian Trade Union Confederation, Belgium’s largest trade union. Additionally, he served as deputy secretary of Beweging.net, a network of social organisations.
On 3 December 2024, I met Marc Van Peel virtually to discuss his interactions with Wilfried Martens, his reflections on Christian Democracy and the evolution of the European People’s Party (EPP). What followed was a rich and reflective conversation, offering insights into both the strategic decisions made by Wilfried Martens that shaped the EPP’s success and the enduring relevance of Christian Democratic values in addressing contemporary challenges.
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You worked and interacted with Wilfried Martens during your tenure as president of the CVP. How would you describe his role within the EPP?
My interactions with Wilfried Martens began during my time as a Member of Parliament, when he was already serving as prime minister. While I admired his leadership, we did not engage extensively until I became party chairman, at which point he was leading the EPP. Our discussions were centred on European policies and the EPP’s role in the European Parliament, leaving national matters in the hands of Prime Minister Jean-Luc Dehaene.
Martens’s greatest strength was his ability to unite. He was a visionary leader who successfully brought together Christian Democratic, centrist and centre–right parties to form a cohesive alliance under the EPP banner. His leadership showcased not only remarkable political acumen but also a profound understanding of coalition-building as a cornerstone of European politics. Through his efforts, Martens established the foundation for the EPP to become the dominant political force in the European Parliament.
What role did Martens’s leadership play in establishing the EPP as the number one political force in Europe?
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Martens played a pivotal role in transforming the EPP into the most influential political group in the European Parliament. He understood that achieving influence in European politics required strength in numbers—without a majority, even the most visionary policies would fail to be implemented. To address this, Martens worked tirelessly to consolidate diverse political forces, ensuring that the EPP became a large and cohesive group capable of shaping European policy effectively.
Martens had a strategic vision: he recognised that the EPP’s success depended on expanding its influence by including various political traditions—Christian Democratic, centrist and centre–right parties. While this unity was challenging to achieve, it provided the EPP with the strength and legitimacy to act decisively in European politics.
I am convinced that it was Martens’s leadership that ensured the EPP not only emerged as the leading political force in Europe but also upheld its core values, shaping the trajectory of the EU.
Including diverse parties in the EPP must have been challenging. How do you recall, for example, the process of including Forza Italia?
The inclusion of Forza Italia was one of the more contentious decisions during Martens’s leadership. Initially, Martens and I shared the belief that Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia did not align with the core values of the EPP. Berlusconi’s leadership leaned heavily towards the right, and his policies often clashed with the principles of Christian Democracy, which prioritise social justice and solidarity.
However, a few months after our conversation, Forza Italia was admitted to the EPP. I was surprised and, frankly, disappointed. It felt like a betrayal of the discussions we had had. My opposition was also influenced by my background in the trade union movement, which had instilled in me a commitment to social justice and a cautious approach to political alliances. At the time, I believed that Martens was compromising the EPP’s values for short-term gains.
In hindsight, though, I must admit that Martens had a broader strategic vision. He understood that including Forza Italia would strengthen the EPP’s influence in the European Parliament and beyond. While his decision was controversial, it ultimately contributed to the EPP’s long-term success.
What lessons can be learned from Martens’s leadership style and decisions for the EPP to remain the number one political force?
Martens’s leadership showed the value of strategic thinking and a long-term vision. He was unafraid to make difficult decisions, even at the risk of alienating close allies, because he prioritised the EPP’s broader objectives over immediate gratification. For example, his inclusion of Forza Italia, despite being controversial, and other parties with more liberal and conservative leanings, bolstered the EPP’s influence and cemented its status as Europe’s leading political force.
One notable characteristic of Martens’s leadership was his pragmatism. He understood that coalition-building and compromise were essential for achieving lasting political success within Europe’s complex and diverse political landscape. However, one apparent challenge he faced was in communication. Many of his decisions were made without fully articulating his rationale to colleagues, which left some feeling disconnected from his broader strategic vision. This challenge was further compounded by the limited visibility of European politics at the time and the relatively low profile of the European Parliament. Combined with Martens’s frequent travels, these factors reduced opportunities for clear and consistent communication.
Despite these limitations, Martens’s legacy is one of unity and resilience. He demonstrated that effective leadership requires a careful balance between pragmatism and principles—a lesson that remains highly relevant in today’s fragmented political environment.
How do you define Christian Democracy, and how does it remain relevant in contemporary politics?
My understanding of Christian Democracy was shaped during my time teaching at the Social High School in Leuven, where I explored various political ideologies, including Marxism and liberalism. It was through this period of reflection and teaching that I became convinced that Christian Democracy represents the most intelligent and humane approach to governance. It balances moral principles with practical solutions, emphasising individual dignity, social justice and solidarity.
I am convinced that Christian Democracy remains highly relevant in today’s European political landscape. Contemporary challenges such as climate change, migration and populism require centrist parties to strike a delicate balance between strength and compassion. For instance, on migration, the EPP must advocate for secure borders while ensuring the humane treatment of individuals. Similarly, tackling climate change demands policies rooted in scientific advancements, while remaining sensitive to public concerns and securing democratic support.
How do you see the future evolution of the EPP in light of Martens’s legacy?
The EPP must remain committed to its centrist and Christian Democratic roots. These values are not merely ideological—they are practical tools for addressing Europe’s most pressing challenges. Strengthening centrist cooperation requires building alliances with like-minded parties while maintaining a clear identity.
The EPP must avoid veering too far to the left or becoming overly centrist to the point of losing its unique character. Instead, it should embrace its role as a unifying force that balances moral principles with practical governance. By doing so, the EPP can ensure its continued relevance and influence in European politics.
Today’s challenges, in particular, demand a moral compass, and Christian Democratic values provide that guidance. By staying true to its roots, the EPP can continue to address contemporary issues with both pragmatism and principles.
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Teona Lavrelashvili
is a Research Associate at the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies. She earned her Ph.D. in Political Science from KU Leuven and has a decade of experience across EU institutions, academia and think tanks, including roles at the European Commission’s Directorate General Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, the European Parliament, KU Leuven and the European Policy Centre.