The re-election of the current head of the EC to the post may be in question due to the growing popularity of right-wing parties in the EU.
The current head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, remains the favorite to be re-elected to the post. This was reported by Politico, citing numerous sources in the EU.
At the same time, the publication recalls that last year, for a brief moment, it seemed that von der Leyen’s candidacy for a second term might have problems. Thus, during an unscheduled trip to Israel in October, she stood next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and expressed unconditional solidarity in his country’s fight against Hamas.
“Her statement would have been inappropriate coming from the president of the United States or, indeed, a German politician (which, after all, was von der Leyen before she took office). But the statement from the head of one of the most powerful institutions of the European Union on one of the the most controversial topics in the bloc caused the greatest negative reaction during her four years in office,” the media writes.
At the same time, the authors of the material note, von der Leyen’s position is now firm again – without apologizing or retreating, she withstood the political storm and emerged, if not stronger than ever, then at least unharmed.
“Not only does she remain the favorite for a second term as commission president, but no other candidate appears to have a chance of replacing her when EU leaders meet this summer to share the bloc’s top jobs,” the article said.
Thus, in conversations with dozens of EU officials and diplomats, few expressed serious doubts to journalists that von der Leyen would receive a second term, “if she wants it.” However, while an unconditional re-coronation remains a likely outcome, “there is still a chance that there will be a surprise.”
“To take office, von der Leyen must be nominated by European leaders and confirmed by the European Parliament. … With far-right support growing across Europe, von der Leyen may find it difficult to repeat her success,” the newspaper writes, citing a French MEP. from one of the pro-European parties.
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