Ursula von der Leyen has successfully navigated a rare confidence vote initiated by far-right factions within the European Parliament, reflecting ongoing tensions in EU politics.
Ursula von der Leyen Defeats Confidence Vote Amidst Far-Right Opposition
Ursula von der Leyen Defeats Confidence Vote Amidst Far-Right Opposition
European Commission President sustains leadership despite scrutiny over transparency issues.
In a notable development, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has successfully secured her position by defeating a confidence vote proposed by a faction of far-right politicians in the European Parliament. Although the outcome was anticipated, initiating such a vote so soon into her second term—she began in July of the previous year—signals underlying discontent regarding her leadership.
To pass the motion, it required the endorsement of two-thirds of the 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), totaling 480 votes. Ultimately, only 175 supported the motion, while 360 voted against it and 18 abstained.
The vote was instigated by Romanian far-right MEP Gheorghe Piperea, who criticized von der Leyen for her handling of communications with Pfizer during COVID-19 vaccine negotiations. His motion accused her commission of failing to embody essential democratic principles, including transparency and accountability. In a heated debate, von der Leyen responded fiercely, labeling her accusers as "conspiracy theorists" and denouncing the allegations surrounding what has been dubbed “Pfizergate” as unfounded lies.
Piperea received support from prominent political figures, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who signaled through social media that von der Leyen should resign. However, his party, the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), was divided, reflecting complexities in political alliances; members from Italy’s Brothers of Italy (FdI), who generally align with von der Leyen, voted against the motion.
Ultimately, von der Leyen’s survival in the confidence vote was made possible by the backing of the centre-right European People's Party (EPP), along with support from the Socialist and Democrats (S&D), the liberal Renew, the Greens, and several other left-leaning groups. Despite this support, many party leaders expressed their unease about her engagements with far-right factions, urging von der Leyen to reclaim control over her party and reconsider her alliances.
Prior to the vote, leaders like Iratxe García, head of the S&D, stressed the irresponsible nature of destabilizing the Commission amid ongoing geopolitical concerns, reinforcing their vote as conditional support rather than an endorsement of her policies. Notably, the S&D group shifted from considering an abstention to supporting von der Leyen after she committed to protecting social programs in the forthcoming budget.
While the confidence vote transpired, von der Leyen was delivering remarks at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome. After the motion was dismissed, she shared a message on social media affirming the EU's commitment to unity and solidarity against external threats, stating, “as external forces seek to destabilise and divide us, it is our duty to respond in line with our values.” Her post concluded with a rallying cry for the resilience of Europe.
To pass the motion, it required the endorsement of two-thirds of the 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), totaling 480 votes. Ultimately, only 175 supported the motion, while 360 voted against it and 18 abstained.
The vote was instigated by Romanian far-right MEP Gheorghe Piperea, who criticized von der Leyen for her handling of communications with Pfizer during COVID-19 vaccine negotiations. His motion accused her commission of failing to embody essential democratic principles, including transparency and accountability. In a heated debate, von der Leyen responded fiercely, labeling her accusers as "conspiracy theorists" and denouncing the allegations surrounding what has been dubbed “Pfizergate” as unfounded lies.
Piperea received support from prominent political figures, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who signaled through social media that von der Leyen should resign. However, his party, the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), was divided, reflecting complexities in political alliances; members from Italy’s Brothers of Italy (FdI), who generally align with von der Leyen, voted against the motion.
Ultimately, von der Leyen’s survival in the confidence vote was made possible by the backing of the centre-right European People's Party (EPP), along with support from the Socialist and Democrats (S&D), the liberal Renew, the Greens, and several other left-leaning groups. Despite this support, many party leaders expressed their unease about her engagements with far-right factions, urging von der Leyen to reclaim control over her party and reconsider her alliances.
Prior to the vote, leaders like Iratxe García, head of the S&D, stressed the irresponsible nature of destabilizing the Commission amid ongoing geopolitical concerns, reinforcing their vote as conditional support rather than an endorsement of her policies. Notably, the S&D group shifted from considering an abstention to supporting von der Leyen after she committed to protecting social programs in the forthcoming budget.
While the confidence vote transpired, von der Leyen was delivering remarks at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome. After the motion was dismissed, she shared a message on social media affirming the EU's commitment to unity and solidarity against external threats, stating, “as external forces seek to destabilise and divide us, it is our duty to respond in line with our values.” Her post concluded with a rallying cry for the resilience of Europe.
