Ursula von der Leyen has secured a second five-year term as president of the European Commission following a vote by EU lawmakers. This decision comes as mainstream European politics aims to counter the rise of far-right ideologies across the continent.
In her address to the European parliament in Strasbourg, France, von der Leyen outlined her plans to focus on investing in infrastructure and industry, establishing a new 'European Defense Union,' and continuing the continent's green transition efforts.
After a secret ballot, von der Leyen was reelected with 401 votes in favor and 284 against, surpassing the required majority of 360 votes in the 720-seat parliament.
Von der Leyen, who steered the commission through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the initial stages of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, will now lead a bloc that has shifted towards the right following recent European elections.
During her speech before the vote, von der Leyen emphasized the significance of the next five years in shaping Europe's future trajectory, highlighting the need for the continent to proactively define its path.
Despite facing a more polarized political landscape, von der Leyen's reelection was widely anticipated, with support from various political blocs within the EU parliament.
Her policy proposal for the upcoming term includes a focus on accelerating investment for the green, digital, and social transitions, as well as the establishment of a European Defense Union to enhance defense capabilities and coordination among member states.
Von der Leyen also condemned Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin as an 'appeasement mission' and reaffirmed the EU's backing for Ukraine.
Her reelection comes on the heels of a court ruling criticizing the commission's lack of transparency regarding Covid-19 vaccine contracts signed during the pandemic.
