Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected president of European Commission with 401 votes in favour. Giorgia Meloni and its FdI they voted against. In all, 284 MEPs voted against while 15 abstained. Seven ballots were considered void. Overall, 707 parliamentarians participated in the vote, exceeding the required majority of 360 votes thanks to the decisive support of major parties such as the European People's Party (EPP), the Socialists & Democrats (S&D) and Renew Europe.
Ursula von der Leyen re-elected, the votes
Il Green vote was determinant for reconfirmation, thanks to the compromises reached on the Green Deal and on democratic protection. On the contrary, in fact, of Brothers of Italy who, after the swing of the last few days, maintained his position of dissent voting against von der Leyen's second term. With today's vote another one opens hot match: that of the European commissioners, which will have to be subjected to scrutiny by the European Parliament, most likely between September and October.
In the morning, the president presented in Strasbourg a work program for the period 2024-2029, trying to secure his second mandate through a program that touches on many crucial issues. In front of the plenary of the European Parliament, the German called for "a strong Europe in times of great anxiety and uncertainty", but this was not enough to convince Meloni's party.
What they said from FdI: Procaccini's words
“It is clear that this attempt to finally bring the Greens on board has further unbalanced the narrative of von der Leyen, those Greens who were the main losers of this election. The fact that Ursula von der Leyen put herself in the hands of the biggest losers of the last elections shows that something didn't work." Thus the co-president of group of European Conservatives and Reformists (Ecr), Nicholas Procaccini, on the sidelines of the vote for the reconfirmation of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission, explained the reasons for the vote against expressed by the Brothers of Italy delegation. “Obviously we wish von der Leyen good work and we will try to collaborate in the most efficient way possible, maintaining great attention to the contents,” she added.
Ursula von der Leyen, what she said about Meloni
“We worked for a democratic majority, for a pro-EU centre. And in the end he supported me. I believe our approach was correct." The president of the Commission said so Ursula von der Leyen at the press conference, answering those who asked if the Brothers of Italy vote against did not show that a different approach could be implemented.
Ursula von der Leyen, political reactions
This vote sparked several reactions, including a comment from the leader of the 5 Star Movement, Giuseppe Conte, who urged political coherence and clarity on the part of the Italian delegations: “The FdI MEPs did not want to reveal their vote on von der Leyen in advance, thus risking compromising Italy's credibility in Europe. Linearity in the political position is fundamental to maintaining our reputation and influence in the European landscape.”