Von der Leyen reeling as EU fails to back her for bloc's top job in first round of talks
Ursula von der Leyen faced a setback on Monday as EU leaders failed to agree on her reappointment as European Commission President.
Ursula von der Leyen faced a political defeat on Monday as EU leaders failed to reach an agreement on the bloc's top jobs, leaving her bid for a second term as European Commission President in limbo.
Despite this, several leaders praised her record and indicated she might secure their endorsement later this month.
“There is no agreement tonight at this stage," EU Council President Charles Michel said after chairing an informal summit in Brussels. Leaders discussed the recent European elections, which saw a shift to the right, weakening the traditional Franco-German influence and strengthening hard right parties.
Candidates for key positions have been speculated on for months. Former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa is considered for Michel's role, and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas is a contender for the top diplomat position.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticised the process, claiming mainstream parties ignored the election results.
He posted on X: "They don’t care about reality, they don’t care about the results of the European elections, and they don’t care about the will of the European people."
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte praised von der Leyen’s accomplishments, including her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and support for Ukraine, but added: “I’m not saying that we support her. It will be a question of how the whole package will emerge.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasised that his support depended on von der Leyen working with mainstream parties, not right-wing populists.
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Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris urged a swift resolution, stressing that prolonged talks would not be well-received by citizens.
Von der Leyen, backed by her centre-right European People’s Party, needs support from 361 of the 720 EU lawmakers to secure her position. However, her leadership style has been divisive, and she faces opposition within the EU Parliament.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed confidence that mainstream parties still hold a majority, enough to shape the new leadership landscape.
However, he called for clarity regarding António Costa and the corruption scandal that led to his resignation, despite Costa not being accused of any crime.
