The upcoming re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as European Commission president requires the endorsement of the European Council and a simple majority at the European Parliament. One question that arises is whether von der Leyen needs the votes of far-right parties to secure her position. The centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) is seeking to ensure the necessary support for von der Leyen’s second term by working to tie down the needed votes in both the European Council and European Parliament.
During a post-election event at the Microsoft center, Radio Schuman interviewed Thanasis Bakolas, the secretary general of the EPP, to discuss these crucial issues. Bakolas shed light on the EPP’s efforts to secure the support needed for von der Leyen’s re-election and addressed the potential role of far-right lawmakers in this process. The EPP is facing the challenge of navigating the complex political landscape of the European Union to ensure that von der Leyen retains her position as European Commission president.
In addition to discussing the re-election of von der Leyen, the interview also touched on the recent ruling by the EU Court of Justice condemning Hungary for breaching asylum rules. This ruling has implications for the broader issue of asylum policy within the EU and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by member states in managing migration flows. The EPP’s stance on asylum and migration policy will be closely watched as von der Leyen seeks re-election and works to secure the support of key stakeholders.
The interview with Bakolas also delved into the composition of the newly elected European Parliament, highlighting some interesting MEPs who will play a role in shaping the political landscape of the EU. As von der Leyen navigates the process of securing re-election, these newly elected MEPs will be important players in determining the outcome of key votes and decisions within the European Parliament. The EPP’s strategy for building alliances and securing support will be crucial in ensuring that von der Leyen’s second bid for the presidency is successful.
Overall, the re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as European Commission president is contingent on securing the necessary support from the European Council and European Parliament. The role of far-right parties in this process remains a key question, as the EPP works to build alliances and secure votes to ensure von der Leyen retains her position. The interview with Thanasis Bakolas sheds light on the EPP’s efforts to navigate this political landscape and highlights the challenges and opportunities facing von der Leyen as she seeks a second term in office.
