The re-election of Ursula von der Leyen for the second term as the head of the European Commission (EC) might be in trouble due to the growing popularity of right-wing parties in the EU.
Why von der Leyen may not be re-elected to the main post of Euro Commission
In 2019, Ursula von der Leyen was reportedly supported by a coalition of pro-European EU parties, but even this gave her a "small majority of 383 votes" against a minimum of 374.
According to the publication, the current EC head may face difficulties in re-election due to the growing popularity of far-right parties throughout Europe.
Thus, a French member of the European Parliament said that at the elections, "there may be a real surprise" for the EC head. According to him, if the pro-European coalition does not get a majority, "the subject of von der Leyen will simply cease to exist."
As an unnamed European diplomat told Politico, von der Leyen "certainly leads among other contenders for this position, but with the results of European party polls like this, it is too early to say whether she will be re-elected."
Previously, Politico reported on the dissatisfaction of high-ranking EU officials, who are outraged by the self-government of the head of the European Commission, which increasingly goes beyond the boundaries of official duties. It is noted that von der Leyen does not consult with the heads of the EU countries before making important political decisions.
According to the publication, discontent in EU capitals may threaten the chances of the head of the European Commission to be re-elected for a second term after the regular elections to the European Parliament, which are scheduled for June 6, 2024.
The EU makes everything possible to prevent Orbán from a post of the European Council interim head
According to journalists, such activity in the search for Michel's successor can be explained by Brussels' reluctance to allow Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to lead the European Council.
The option of appointing a temporary candidate is even being discussed.
Despite this, the EU does not believe that Mario Draghi can agree to a temporary role.
Among the other candidates for the position of the head of the European Council are the current Prime Ministers of Spain Pedro Sanchez and Denmark Mette Frederiksen. Unlike Draghi, both leaders are associated with major European political parties, which is an important factor in EU appointments.
According to the publication's insiders, Draghi's lack of party affiliation could become a severe problem for him in the European political arena.
