European Parliament approves Ursula von der Leyen’s new European Commission

This article was originally published in English

The new European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen was elected on Wednesday Final approval of the European ParliamentThat would allow the executive to take office on December 1 and begin the five-year legislative cycle. proposed commission Got 370 votes in favorThere were 282 opposition and 36 abstentions in Strasbourg, which is enough for approval.

In her presentation speech, von der Leyen promised a Commission focused on reviving the EU’s stagnant economy, promote competitivenessReduce bureaucracy, unlock investment, and narrow the innovation gap with the United States and China.

Support for Ukraine, defence, migration management, enlargement, combating climate change, budget reform, etc. rule of law Those will be other priorities for his team, determined by a turn to the right across the block. “Our fight for freedom may look different from that of previous generations. But what is at stake is just as important,” von der Leyen told lawmakers.

“This freedom will not be free. difficult decisions will have to be takenThis will mean massive investment in our security and prosperity. And, above all, it will mean remaining united and loyal to our values.” Wednesday’s count much less than 401 votes Von der Leyen received votes from parliament when she ran for re-election, reflecting a shrinking majority supported by fewer progressives and more right-wing forces.

The new commissioner who created controversy

The change in support is likely due to the partisan bickering that has plagued the confirmation hearings for the new commissioners. The centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), promoted by Spain’s Popular Party (PP), Wage a fierce campaign against Teresa Ribera (Clean, Fair and Competitive Transition), accused him of being responsible for the response to flash floods in Valencia.

Ribera, who until recently was part of President Pedro Sanchez’s cabinet, hit back, arguing that the management of natural disasters comes first. regional government work, Which is under the control of the PP in Valencia.

Meanwhile, the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and the Liberals of Renew Europe He criticized the appointment of Rafael Fitto As one of the executive vice-presidents of the European Commission (Cohesion and Reforms), he warned that his relations with Italian Giorgia Meloni and the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group amounted to a “dangerous normalization” of far-right politics.

socialist and liberal He strongly opposed Oliver Varhelyi (animal health and welfare) for his close relationship with Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and his long list of controversies, including an infamous episode in which Varhelyi was caught referring to the MEP on an open microphone”idiots,

the tug of war has begun Intensive days of negotiations behind closed doors Which culminated last week with an agreement to unblock all pending nominations. Ribera and Fitto’s portfolios remained unchanged, while Varhelyi was stripped of his responsibilities related to reproductive rights and health preparedness.

EPP, S&D and Renovator tried Resolve Your Differences with a Nine-Point Statement To strengthen its centrist alliance. Socialists and liberals are concerned about the so-called “Venezuelan majority”, which brings together the EPP with all legislators on its right, including those associated with Giorgia Meloni, Marine Le Pen and Viktor Orbán.

tale of two majorities

The results of these tense negotiations were clear even on WednesdayThe main groups were unable to ensure internal discipline, as national delegations broke ranks and voted against the new commission.

“We will not accept that they play both sides,” Iratex García, leader of the Socialists, told the EPP. ,It is immoral to build Europe with those who try to suppress fundamental rightsThose who deny climate change and those who turn their backs on social justice.

Liberal leader Valerie Heyer condemned the “Venezuelan majority” be “against Europe” and said that “the only viable majority” in the parliament was the pro-European coalition formed by the EPP, S&D and Renew Europe.

Both García and Heyer addressed EPP leader Manfred Weber, whom many consider The brains behind the two majoritiesWeber attempted to regain his centrist credentials and criticized Le Pen, Orbán and the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as his “political enemies”, drawing criticism from the ranks of the far-right.

“We have different ideas, we fight for our convictions, but we all want to compromise And serve all Europeans,” Weber told socialists and liberals. The Greens, who were excluded from last week’s agreement despite supporting von der Leyen’s re-election in July and sharing many of her political guidelines, remained divided on Wednesday, with some voting against it. Varhelyi is due to be included.

Nevertheless, the group extended an olive branch to the new commission. “We will be critical and constructive,” said Greens co-leader Terry Reintke. In his speech, von der Leyen recognized the hidden tension in the room And encouraged all pro-European parties to move forward and work together.

“Overcoming division and compromise is The hallmark of any living democracyAnd my message today is that we want to work with you in the same spirit.” He said, ”We will work with all pro-European democratic forces in this House. And as I did in my first term, I will always work from the centre. Because we all want the best for Europe and the best for Europeans. So now is the time to come together,” he concluded.