EU Parliament to Vote on von der Leyen's Second Term
The European Parliament is set to vote on whether to elect Ursula von der Leyen for another five-year term as president of the European Commission. This decision will play a crucial role in maintaining continuity within the EU's executive body amid challenges such as rising support for far-right and eurosceptic political parties across the 27-nation bloc. Von der Leyen, the first woman to head the Commission, has no clear alternative candidate, and her supporters argue that rejecting her could result in political deadlock.
Von der Leyen needs at least 361 votes from the 720-member EU Parliament to secure her position. While three centrist groups expected to support her collectively hold 401 seats, some lawmakers are anticipated to defect in the secret ballot. Additionally, support from the 78-strong European Conservatives and Reformists group or the 53-member Greens could be crucial, although neither group has confirmed their backing. If von der Leyen fails to secure the necessary votes, EU country leaders will have one month to propose another candidate.
