Von der Leyen's re-election as head of European Commission in question
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Getty Images)
The potential reappointment of Ursula von der Leyen as the head of the European Commission, whose term concludes in November 2024, may be in question due to the increasing popularity of right-wing parties in the EU, according to Politico.
Reportedly, in 2019, Ursula von der Leyen garnered support from a pro-European coalition of EU parties, but even that secured her only a slim majority of 383 votes, just above the minimum of 374.
Politico estimates that the current head of the European Commission may face challenges in her reappointment due to the rising popularity of far-right parties across Europe.
A French Member of the European Parliament suggested that a real surprise might occur in the elections for the head of the European Commission. According to him, if the pro-European coalition fails to secure a majority, the issue of von der Leyen's reappointment might simply cease to exist.
An unnamed European diplomat said that von der Leyen is "the frontrunner, no doubt, but with these polls … it’s just too early to say whether for sure she will be reelected."
Previously, Politico reported dissatisfaction among high-ranking EU officials who expressed concerns about the autonomy of the head of the European Commission, accusing von der Leyen of increasingly exceeding her official duties. Von der Leyen does not consult with the leaders of EU countries before making important political decisions.
According to the publication's assessments, discontent in EU capitals could jeopardize the chances of von der Leyen's reappointment for a second term after the upcoming elections to the European Parliament, scheduled for June 6, 2024.
