European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has successfully defended her leadership against a motion of censure from far-right lawmakers in the European Parliament. Despite opposition from some center-left groups, most political parties have refused to back the motion, which would require a two-thirds majority to pass.
The motion, initiated by MEP Gheorghe Piperea, aimed to criticize von der Leyen for text messages exchanged with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, piperea’s own party, European Conservatives and Reformists, appears divided on the issue, with group leader Nicola Procaccini distancing himself from the motion.
Von der Leyen responded by denying allegations of secrecy in EU contract negotiations and emphasizing that all contracts were examined in detail before signing. She also reached out to pro-European lawmakers, promising to work for compromise and unity.
Experts predict that von der Leyen’s leadership remains unscathed, citing her narrow re-election last year after pitching to work with centrist parties. The European Commission and the European Council are more powerful than the Parliament, making motions of censure less effective.
While the far-right has raised concerns about EU grants and climate policies, von der Leyen’s center-right party is likely to maintain its alignment with pro-European forces. As such, her leadership remains secure for now.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/is-ursula-von-der-leyens-leadership-of-the-eu-under-threat/a-73190927