STRASBOURG, France: The European Parliament lawmakers has re-elected Ursula von der Leyen for a second five-year term as president of the European Union’s executive commission. She secured a comfortable majority, averting a potential leadership gap.
Von der Leyen celebrated her victory by raising both fists in triumph as Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced the results. She termed her re-election a win for “pro-European, pro-Ukraine, and pro-rule of law” supporters.
Her re-election ensures stability for the 27-nation bloc, which is grappling with issues like the war in Ukraine, climate change, migration, and housing shortages. Von der Leyen emphasized her commitment to a "strong Europe" focused on prosperity, security, and defense. She highlighted the importance of strengthening democracy, which she said is under attack from both internal and external forces.
The Greens/European Free Alliance group supported von der Leyen after receiving assurances about her dedication to climate initiatives, social policies, and affordable housing, along with a pledge not to align with far-right factions. Group President Bas Eickhout stressed the need to resist growing far-right influences that threaten democracy and rights.
Von der Leyen received 401 votes out of 720 lawmakers after promising to be a strong leader for Europe amidst crises and polarization.
However, Italy's far-right Premier Giorgia Meloni expressed her party's opposition to von der Leyen's re-election, criticizing the process. Despite this, Meloni affirmed that cooperation with the Commission would continue.
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