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Ursula Von Der Leyen Is Re-Elected For The Second Time As European Commission President
The European Commission’s president, Ursula von der Leyen, has been re-elected to a second, five-year term. In order to prevent a potential leadership void, she was granted a comfortable majority to maintain her position as head of the executive commission of the European Union.
Ms. Von der Leyen triumphantly lifted both of her hands as the president of the parliament Roberta Metsola announced the results to the assembly.
Re-election guarantees the 27-nation bloc’s leadership continuity while it grapples with issues including the conflict in Ukraine, climate change, migration, and housing scarcity.
The German Christian Democrat received the support of a majority of the 720-seat assembly following a speech in which she promised to be a forceful leader for Europe at a time of crisis and polarization. Of the 707 votes polled, Ms. Von der Leyen received 401 votes. There were 7 invalid ballots, 15 abstentions, and 284 votes against her candidacy.
The secret ballot was held following significant victories by the far-right in the European Parliament election held last month.
“I will never let the extreme polarisation of our societies become accepted. I will never accept that demagogues and extremists destroy our European way of life. And I stand here today ready to lead the fight with all the Democratic forces in this house,” Ms von der Leyen said in her final pitch.
In the event that lawmakers had rejected her nomination, the bloc’s leaders would have been forced to quickly select a substitute. Instead, an experienced team is now leading the continent. Ms. von der Leyen promised to support farmers who have staged protests against what they see as burdensome EU bureaucracy and environmental rules, as well as to strengthen the EU economy, police, and border agencies, tackle immigration, and pursue policies addressing climate change, in an address aimed at garnering support from a broad cross-party audience. She also made fun of Viktor Orban, the prime minister of Hungary, and his recent trip to Russia, which came just after his nation assumed the six-month rotating EU presidency.
“This so-called peace mission was nothing but an appeasement mission,” Ms von der Leyen said as she vowed that Europe would remain shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine.
Diana Iovanovici-Sosoaca, a radical right politician from Romania, was led out of the parliament chamber after heckling a speaker during the debate that followed Ms. von der Leyen’s address. Before being brought out of the room, Ms. Iovanovici-Sosoaca briefly wore what appeared to be a muzzle and held up religious iconography. Ms. von der Leyen has led the union through a number of crises over the last five years, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Britain’s withdrawal from the EU, and the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, she has promoted the Green Deal, which aims to make the EU carbon neutral by 2050.
As the debate ended, she told politicians: “I hope to have your trust and confidence for the next years. Long live Europe.”
The election of Ms. von der Leyen coincided with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s reception of some 45 heads of state to talk about immigration, energy security, and the Russian threat and ways to restore relations between the UK and its European neighbours.
Gentle Reminder: Be careful how you use your authority and influence, be wise, and treat others with respect.
Chychy Jonas
