Ursula von der Leyen, the chief of the European Commission, is again under fire. Two no‑confidence motions – one from the far‑right Patriots for Europe (PfE) and another from the far‑left The Left – were lodged this week, just three months after she survived a similar attempt. The European Parliament will debate the motions on Monday at 5 pm CEST and will vote on them separately on Thursday at noon. Although the likelihood of ousting von der Leyen is slim, the moves highlight growing discontent with her leadership style and policy choices.
The main argument shared by both parties is opposition to the EU‑US trade agreement. Critics say the deal gives Europe an unequal footing by tying euro‑milion‑scale commitments to U.S. investments. A recent poll showed that 52 % of respondents view the agreement as a “humiliation” for Europe. Von der Leyen admits the trade deal is not perfect but insists it strengthens the EU’s position against economic turbulence from the United States.
Both the PfE and The Left also object to the EU‑Mercosur free‑trade pact signed in December. They claim the agreement could damage European farmers and lack transparency, a point that was also raised in the July censure motion.
Outside of trade, the parties differ in their other criticisms. The Patriots for Europe focus on the Commission’s migration rules and environmental agenda, while The Left attacks the agency’s handling of climate change and its response to the Israel‑Gaza war. Last month, von der Leyen proposed suspending part of the EU‑Israel Association Agreement – a move long favoured by progressive lawmakers – but member states have not yet reached a qualified majority.
Thomas Shannon, spokesperson for The Left, said the goal is to topple the Commission. “We keep bringing this up, and it’s clear the time is up,” he told reporters. The proposed vote is part of a broader struggle in the Parliament over how to use no‑confidence motions.
Despite the turbulence, von der Leyen is expected to survive both votes. The centrist European People’s Party (EPP), Socialists & Democrats (S&D) and the liberal Renew Europe group – the same coalition that re‑elected her in 2024 – will back her. Renew Europe spokesperson Vincent Stuer warned that using these motions too often could “degrade an instrument we may need for more serious crises.” The Greens, who have mixed feelings about von der Leyen, are also expected to support her, though a few members may side with The Left.
The vote requires a two‑thirds majority of the 719 MEPs present, a threshold von der Leyen faced in July when 360 lawmakers opposed her dismissal and 175 voted to remove her. With these numbers, the motions are unlikely to win. Analysts say the twin challenges reflect deepening political polarization, compounded by economic stagnation, the Ukraine war, competition from China and the return of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
During the July debate, von der Leyen condemned her critics as “Russian puppets” but also offered to mend Parliament’s divisions. “I recognise that some members have legitimate concerns,” she said. “That’s a part of our democracy, and I’m ready to debate any issue with facts and arguments.”
A spokesperson confirmed that von der Leyen will attend Monday’s plenary debate with the full College of Commissioners. The day’s sessions will give her and her colleagues a chance to address the concerns raised and reassure the EU’s political partners.
Source: aninews
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