Von der Leyen Faces Crucial Test as European Parliament Convenes for No-Confidence Vote

Pressure Mounts on Europe's Ursula von der Leyen Ahead of No-Confidence Vote STRASBOURG, FRANCE - Monday afternoon saw the European Parliament convene for the second time since its summer break, with President Ursula von der Leyen facing intense scrutiny over her leadership. French politician Jordan Bardella, chairman of the far-right group Patriots for Europe, led the charge against von der Leyen, criticizing her policies on transparency, migration, and climate change. "You have effectively signed Europe's surrender" with the customs deal with the US, Bardella declared, sparking a heated debate in the chamber. Von der Leyen remained calm, countering that their opponents "are not only ready to exploit any divisions, they actively fuel these divisions." Manon Aubry, deputy chair of the left-wing group, also delivered a scathing critique, accusing von der Leyen of failing to address issues with Israel and the war in Gaza, as well as neglecting social security in favor of arms purchases. "You must go," Aubry told von der Leyen. The no-confidence vote is set for Thursday, with von der Leyen expected to weather the challenge. However, the pressure on her leadership has been mounting, with critics arguing that her policies have led to a loss of competitiveness and a failed migration policy. Background context reveals that the European Commission has faced criticism over its handling of various issues, including climate change, migration, and trade agreements. Von der Leyen's presidency has been marked by controversy, with some accusing her of prioritizing economic interests over social welfare. Additional perspectives come from within the European Parliament itself, where some lawmakers have expressed support for von der Leyen's leadership. "We appreciate President von der Leyen's commitment to addressing the challenges facing Europe," said a spokesperson for the Social Democrats group. The current status is that von der Leyen remains committed to her policies, despite the mounting pressure. The next development will be the no-confidence vote on Thursday, which is expected to be closely watched by European leaders and citizens alike. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the future of Europe's leadership hangs in the balance. *Reporting by Dw.*