EU: Ursula von der Leyen Survives Latest No-Confidence Votes
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has survived two no-confidence votes in the European Parliament on Thursday, receiving support from just over half of its members. The votes, which were expected to be symbolic rather than serious challenges to her position, still highlighted the growing divisions within the parliament.
Von der Leyen received 378 votes in favor in the first vote and 383 in the second, with 179 lawmakers opposing her. "I deeply appreciate the strong support received today," von der Leyen wrote online after the votes. "The Commission will keep working closely with the European Parliament to tackle Europe's challenges. And together deliver results for all European citizens."
The no-confidence motions were tabled by a group of MEPs from various parties, including the far-right Identity and Democracy Group and the left-wing Confederal Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left. The motions were seen as an attempt to put pressure on von der Leyen's leadership and her policies.
In a statement, the leader of the Identity and Democracy Group, Marcel de Graaff, said: "We will continue to hold the Commission accountable for its actions and push for more transparency and accountability." De Graaff added that his group would not back down in its efforts to challenge von der Leyen's leadership.
The European Parliament has been increasingly divided in recent years, with growing populist factions on both the right and left. This division was reflected in Thursday's votes, which saw a significant number of lawmakers opposing von der Leyen.
Despite the opposition, von der Leyen remains committed to her role as Commission President. In an interview earlier this year, she said: "I am not here to please everyone, but to serve the European Union and its citizens."
The outcome of Thursday's votes has no immediate impact on von der Leyen's position, but it does highlight the growing tensions within the European Parliament. As the EU faces various challenges, including a looming energy crisis and rising inflation, the parliament will continue to play a crucial role in shaping policy.
In the coming weeks, the European Parliament is set to debate several key policies, including the EU's budget and its response to the ongoing energy crisis. Von der Leyen's leadership will likely be under scrutiny as these debates unfold.
The survival of von der Leyen in Thursday's votes has been welcomed by some, who see it as a sign that she remains committed to her role. However, others have expressed concerns about the growing divisions within the parliament and the impact they may have on EU policy-making.
*Reporting by Dw.*
