STRASBOURG — Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, called for solidarity as she presented herself before Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) on Monday, emphasizing the importance of unity for the future of Europe. Following a previous no-confidence vote just three months earlier, von der Leyen adopted a more conciliatory tone, while her moderate opponents also moderated their stances.
In July, she had vigorously defended her position concerning the controversy surrounding “Pfizergate,” which involved private communications with a pharmaceutical CEO during the Covid pandemic. However, this latest session saw less contention over policy issues and fewer unexpected developments. A vote on the two no-confidence motions, introduced by both far-right and far-left factions, is scheduled for Thursday, though von der Leyen is expected to maintain her position due to the backing of centrist parties.
A shift in tone and strategy
1. While her tone softened, von der Leyen continued to highlight threats from the Kremlin. In her previous no-confidence encounter in July, she had made headlines by accusing her critics of being “supported by our enemies and by their puppet masters in Russia or elsewhere.” This time, while she moderated her rhetoric, she reiterated the significance of unity, warning against falling into a “trap” set by Vladimir Putin, who she claimed seeks to divide Europe. “This is a trap and we simply cannot fall for it,” she urged.
2. Demonstrating an understanding of the legitimacy of her critics’ concerns, von der Leyen acknowledged issues such as the situations in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as trade and US relations. This recognition marked a notable change from her prior stances.
3. In an effort to position herself as a stabilizing force amid global chaos, she remarked on the precarious state of the world, urging MEPs to concentrate on delivering for European citizens. She stated, “The world is in the most precarious and perilous state it has been for decades, and Europe is on high alert.”
Support and dissent within the Parliament
4. Centrist factions within the Parliament appear to be unifying in their support for von der Leyen. Recent tensions between her center-right European People’s Party (EPP) and the center-left Socialists and Democrats have given way to cooperation, with both sides now directing their criticisms toward the more extreme factions. EPP leader Manfred Weber criticized the far-right Patriots for Europe group, questioning their commitment to European interests.
“Support is not unconditional; it depends on you,” said Iratxe García, leader of the S&D, indicating that future support may hinge on von der Leyen’s adherence to previously made commitments.
5. Von der Leyen opted for brevity this time, limiting her address to just seven minutes, in contrast to her previous 15-minute speech.
6. The ongoing turmoil in French politics loomed large over the proceedings, as both no-confidence motions were introduced by French MEPs from the far-right and far-left, reflecting a broader political discontent within France.
7. Critics were vocal in their disapproval, with far-right MEP Jordan Bardella declaring, “This is a vote against the Europe of Macron.” Meanwhile, Manon Aubry, co-chair of The Left, accused von der Leyen of complicity in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and criticized her approach to trade policies.
8. Despite the support from mainstream parties, there are underlying tensions. Valérie Hayer, leader of the liberal Renew Europe group, noted that the pro-European majority is not functioning effectively, stating that merely supporting von der Leyen does not imply satisfaction with her leadership.
9. The Greens have also expressed their discontent with von der Leyen’s EPP, accusing it of failings in addressing urgent climate issues and responding adequately to crises. However, they also recognize the risk of an institutional crisis if von der Leyen were to be ousted.
10. The right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) find themselves in a complicated position, with some members inclined to support her while others remain critical. ECR leader Nicola Procaccini emphasized the importance of national delegation autonomy in voting.
11. As von der Leyen concluded her address, she expressed a desire for her words to resonate across Europe, advocating for a message of unity and collective action. “Europe stands together — and it delivers together,” she affirmed. Despite her expected survival in the upcoming vote, the atmosphere remains tense, with her critics still poised to challenge her leadership.