European Parliament re-elects Ursula von der Leyen

The European Parliament has re-elected Ursula von der Leyen for another five years as President of the European Commission.

Hailing from the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), she secured 401 votes in favour in a secret ballot, 41 more votes than required, 284 votes against, and 15 abstentions.

“I can’t begin to express how grateful I am for the trust of all MEPs that voted for me,” Ms von der Leyen said on social media after her victory.

The Commission President will now send official letters to heads of member states to put forward two candidates for the European Commissioner position. A nominee hearing will then be organised; the candidates will need to be endorsed by Parliament. EU officials are reportedly aiming to have a complete Commission by November 1.

The EPP, the Socialists and Democrats, and the Renew Group had previously announced their support for von der Leyen. The Greens had initially opposed the president, although put in their vote to avoid the far-right from gaining power. In response, the president-elect vowed to broker a “clean industrial deal” within 100 days.

Meanwhile, Brothers of Italy, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s party, voted against her after the Greens announced their support.

The centre-right politician’s re-election comes after a surge in far-right support during the European Parliamentary elections last month, which prompted French President Emmanuel Macron to call for snap elections in his home country. Right-wing parties now occupy 27 per cent of seats, a 10 per cent increase from before the election. The EPP continues to hold the largest number of seats at 55 per cent.

via European Parliament

President Ursula von der Leyden called for increased military spending and tighter EU borders, promising to triple the number of European border and coastguards to 30,000.