German conservative politician Ursula von der Leyen has been re-elected as president of the European Commission after securing a second term with 401 votes in favor in a secret ballot by the European Parliament. She is the first to be picked twice by the parliament, which has been electing the EU’s top leader since 2014.
Von der Leyen’s centrist coalition, made up of the EPP, S&D, and Renew, with support from the Greens, faced debate on whether to incorporate far-right parties, with the “cordon sanitaire” against some eased. She maintained an open dialogue with some far-right groups to secure votes, despite opposition from others.
In her speech to the parliament, von der Leyen emphasized a right-leaning vision for Europe, focusing on economic prosperity, competitiveness, and protection from external threats. She also highlighted the need to address migration, proposing the expansion of Frontex, the European border agency.
Critics argue that von der Leyen’s vision promotes an inward-looking Europe prioritizing wealth over global cooperation and social justice, particularly in relation to migration and refugees. While progressive forces engage with her on issues like inequality and social rights, opposition to her anti-immigration policies remains relatively muted.
Overall, von der Leyen’s re-election reflects a shift towards a conservative approach within the EU, with a focus on economic nationalism and security measures, raising concerns about the future of Europe’s values and commitment to human rights and democracy.
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