A group of European lawmakers has initiated a no-confidence vote against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, claiming to have gathered over the requisite 72 signatures needed to proceed. Although the motion is deemed unlikely to succeed, it could prompt significant repercussions, reminiscent of the circumstances that led to the resignation of the EU executive under Jacques Santer in the 1990s. This initiative was spurred by a recent court ruling that condemned von der Leyen for her lack of transparency related to the “Pfizergate” scandal, coupled with rising allegations of her centralization of power within the Commission and bypassing the European Parliament.
Romanian hard-right MEP Gheorghe Piperea is set to submit the censure motion this week, having secured backing from MEPs across various right and far-right factions, including the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), the Patriots, and the European of Sovereign Nations group (ESN), alongside some independent members. However, it’s important to note that this initiative does not carry the official endorsement of the ECR group, which incorporates Italy’s ruling party, Fratelli d’Italia, led by Giorgia Meloni. A spokesperson clarified that ECR MEPs involved in this endeavor are doing so individually, reflecting a complicated political landscape.
Though the threshold for initiating a no-confidence vote is low, the likelihood of removing von der Leyen and her Commission remains slim as such a motion necessitates a two-thirds majority in the 720-seat European Parliament. Piperea acknowledged this reality while expressing hope that other political groups would come on board, even if the motion’s success appears implausible. The primary aim of the initiative is not necessarily to oust von der Leyen, but rather to instigate broader discussions around accountability and transparency, given the perception that the Commission, particularly under her leadership, operates without sufficient scrutiny.
The ongoing “Pfizergate” controversy is a central theme of the no-confidence motion, centered on von der Leyen’s refusal to release text messages exchanged with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla during COVID-19 vaccine discussions. A recent EU court ruling favored a demand for transparency in this matter, further intensifying scrutiny of her actions. Additionally, the motion criticizes her legislative conduct, such as withdrawing environmental proposals without adequate consultations with the Parliament. Such developments highlight a growing discontent across the political spectrum, with voices from the socialist, liberal, and green parties expressing their dissatisfaction with von der Leyen’s leadership.
A significant challenge for the motion stems from its far-right origins, which may hinder the possibility of garnering widespread support. A source from The Left, known for its vocal criticism of von der Leyen, conveyed skepticism regarding the initiative, citing internal hesitance based on ideological grounds and a commitment to avoiding collaboration with right-wing factions. While there may be concerns among some factions regarding von der Leyen’s handling of legislative affairs, this reluctance illustrates the intricate dynamics roiling within the European political landscape, particularly in relation to a motion originating from the right.
In conclusion, while this no-confidence motion against von der Leyen may not culminate in her removal, it has the potential to catalyze an important debate about accountability within the European Commission. As various political factions grapple with the implications of the motion, the focus remains on the need for transparency and oversight in governance. The evolving scenario, particularly in the wake of the “Pfizergate” criticisms and the recent court ruling, underscores a crucial moment for European politics, as lawmakers seek to navigate the complex interplay of power within their institutions.
