European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen secured a second five-year time period Thursday as she vowed to deal with the 27-nation blocs challenges head-on.
The German ex-defense minister, who turned the primary girl chief of the European Commission in 2019, had introduced herself as the perfect and most skilled captain to steer the fee.
Von der Leyen acquired votes backing her from 401 MEPs within the 720-seat chamber within the French metropolis of Strasbourg – over the 361-vote majority she wanted to stay head of the EU’s govt physique.
There have been 284 lawmakers who voted towards within the secret poll, held through the first parliamentary session since EU-wide elections in June.
An elated von der Leyen pumped fists within the air after Parliament Speaker Roberta Metsola introduced the consequence.
She later stated it was “a very emotional and special moment for me” and the consequence “sends a strong message of confidence.”
Von der Leyen’s first time period was filled with crises together with the coronavirus pandemic and the outbreak of struggle in Ukraine.
“We have navigated the most troubled waters that our union has ever faced,” she informed reporters.
Von der Leyen, nevertheless, faces one other tough 5 years, with rising expectations that former U.S. President Donald Trump will return to the White House after elections later this 12 months.
And with conflicts in and close to Europe, von der Leyen insisted on the necessity for a “strong Europe” throughout a “period of deep anxiety and uncertainty”.
Other points in her in-tray are the chance of a wider battle within the Middle East and the EU’s commerce tensions with China.
Not a ‘clean cheque’
European leaders have been fast to supply their congratulations.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose latest victory has many hoping for higher EU-U.Ok. ties, stated on X: “I look forward to working closely with you to reset the relationship between the UK and the European Union.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk hailed the consequence, vowing she would ship for Europe.
Von der Leyen’s re-election was “a clear sign of our ability to act in the European Union, especially in difficult times,” Scholz stated.
“Times are hard, but with your courage and determination, I’m sure you’ll do a great job. We will do, together,” Tusk, an ex-top EU official, stated.
Source: www.dailysabah.com