EPP backs Ursula von der Leyen for 2nd term

In a pivotal moment at the European People’s Party (EPP) congress, the conservative powerhouse is set to throw its weight behind Ursula von der Leyen’s pursuit of a second term as the European Commission chief. The announcement is expected on Thursday, marking a crucial step for the 65-year-old German leader, who has been at the helm since 2019.

Having steered the European Commission through a series of crises, von der Leyen is seeking a mandate that extends until 2029. The endorsement from the EPP, the largest force in the EU parliament, is essential for her bid, requiring approval from the parliament.

Amidst the gathering of 1,500 EPP representatives, including lawmakers, party leaders, and 12 heads of state and government, von der Leyen delivered a passionate speech in Bucharest. She emphasized the challenges facing Europe from populists, nationalists, and demagogues, declaring that the EPP would stand firm in protecting European values.

EPP leader Manfred Weber praised von der Leyen as a “solid leader” during the congress’s opening day, expressing confidence in her widespread support within the party. The results of the secret ballot in Bucharest are anticipated to be revealed around 12:30 pm.

The EPP’s backing is strategically timed ahead of the upcoming European elections scheduled from June 6-9, where political dynamics in Brussels, including at the Commission, are poised for a reshuffle. The EPP aims to showcase its strength and unity, with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis leading the meeting attended by key European leaders.

Despite broad support within the EPP, von der Leyen faces criticism, particularly from France’s liberal conservatives, who have denounced perceived technocratic drift harming farmers. The European “Green Deal,” her flagship achievement in the first term, has become politically contentious, triggering farmer mobilizations across Europe.

In response to growing discontent and the rise of far-right parties in polls, von der Leyen has adjusted her stance. The EPP’s manifesto adopted on Wednesday calls for asylum-seekers to be moved to “safe third countries,” reflecting a shift towards a more conservative approach.

As the EPP rallies behind von der Leyen, she appears to be reaching out to secure votes from the right, aligning herself with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Von der Leyen’s strategic moves indicate an awareness of the need to gather sufficient votes for a majority, given the narrow backing she secured in 2019.

In her address on Thursday, von der Leyen emphasized the importance of European decision-making regarding immigration, stating, “It is us, the Europeans, who decide who comes to Europe and under what circumstances, and not the organized crime (gangs) of smugglers and traffickers.”

The EPP’s support for von der Leyen sets the stage for a compelling political battle in the lead-up to the June elections, with Europe’s political landscape undergoing significant shifts.