A Political Storm Survived But Not Without Damage
On 10 July 2025, Ursula von der Leyen faced a big political test. She is the President of the European Commission. The far-right In the European Parliament Tried to remove Her. They started A Special vote called A “censure vote.” She won the Vote. But the Situation shows Her team in the Parliament is not very united. Many People Are Unhappy with her Leadership.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Background of the Censure Motion
Accusations from the Far-Right
Gheorghe Piperea, a far-right politician from Romania, started the vote. He got help from other nationalist and anti-EU members. They accused von der Leyen of doing things wrong:
- She did not share her text messages with the Pfizer CEO during the COVID-19 vaccine deal.
- They said she used EU Money badly, Especially The recovery funds And €150 Billion For Defence.
- They Also said She interfered In elections In Germany And Romania In 2024.
They Wanted to show that she is too Powerful, Not honest, And part of an Elite Group. These are common complaints from far-right parties.
Vote Results: Von der Leyen Wins Decisively
Even though the speech against her was strong, the final vote numbers were clear:
- 360 MEPs voted against the motion (they supported her).
- 175 voted for the motion (they wanted her out).
- 18 people did not vote either way.
This shows she still has strong support. It reminded people of a crisis in 1999, but this time it was not that serious.
Political Fault Lines: A Coalition Under Strain
Far-Right and Nationalists
They were stronger after the 2024 EU elections. They all supported the motion. They said von der Leyen gives the EU too much power.
Centre-Left (S&D) and Greens
They are worried that von der Leyen is working too closely with conservatives, like Italy’s leader Giorgia Meloni. Most of them voted against the motion. They didn’t want to help the far-right. Some of them did not vote to show they were unhappy, but did not want to cause a big problem.
Centrist and Liberal Groups (Renew Europe)
They supported von der Leyen. But they asked her to do better. They want her to be more open, protect the environment, and help with social issues.
ALSO Read: Vire: A Hidden Historical Gem In Normandy’s Calvados Department
Von der Leyen’s Absence And Her Framing of the Threat
Von der Leyen was not in the Parliament on the day of the vote. She was in Rome. She was at a conference about rebuilding Ukraine. She sent a message from there. She said the vote was from “extremists” who believe in “conspiracy theories.” She said the EU must stay strong and work for the future. Her being in Rome showed that she is focused on world problems, not just EU politics.
Key Takeaways: What the Vote Reveals
Transparency Still a Flashpoint
People still want answers about the Pfizer text messages. They want leaders to be honest, especially about COVID-19 deals.
Green and Social Priorities Must Be Reaffirmed
Von der Leyen said she would Help the Environment. But Many say she Is not Doing Enough. The Greens And Centre-Left Want Real Action, Not Just Words.
Defence Ambitions Raise Eyebrows
Her Plan to Spend €150 billion on Defence is a Big Concern. Some fear It means more Military Power Without Enough Control.
Fragile Pro-European Alliance
Her team in the EU Parliament is weak. They are staying together for now, but a few more mistakes could break the team apart.
Conclusion
Still in Power, But Under Pressure
Von der Leyen is still the leader of the European Commission. The Far Right Could not Remove her, But they did Show that her support is Not strong. To keep her job Safe, She must:
- Work better with The Centre-Left And Green Groups.
- Be more Open And Honest.
- Do more for the Environment And Social Issues.
- Make Sure her Defence Plans are Well Explained And Controlled.
She is safe For Now, But more Trouble could come If she does Not Change.