No surprise: Robert Metsol was re-elected president of the European Parliament generating a broad consensus among the main political forces of the EU. With 562 votes in favor out of a total of 699 voters, Metsola obtained the decisive support of popular, socialist and liberal groups, as well as significant support from greens, conservatives and the radical left. After two and a half years at the helm of the EU institution, the outgoing number one and candidate of the European People's Party (EPP) has passed with a voting record (90,2%) the only challenger, the Spanish Irene Montero (La Sinistra) who collected 61 votes. Together with the social democrat Martin Schulz (2012-2017), she is the only one in history to preside over the European Chamber for more than one mandate.
In his speech, the president thanked for the "trust" and promised that "it will be a Parliament for everyone in Europe, to respect the promises of the founding fathers and still unfinished mothers". Speaking in Italian, you quoted De Gasperi: “The tendency to be united is one of the constants of history, said Alcide De Gasperi 70 years ago. We speak, we write, we insist, we don't leave a moment's respite for Europe to remain the topic of the day. I echo his words that we must remember in this legislature." Then you also remembered Falcone and Borsellino: “Ours must be a Europe that Falcone and Borsellino would be proud of. Ours must be a Europe that honors them” he added.
In particular, Metsola placed a strong emphasis on gender equality, reaffirming her commitment to a Europe where women can feel fully represented and protected, fighting against the violence and inequalities that still exist. Finally, Metsola called for a united Europe, capable of overcoming divisions and building hope instead of hatred, promoting an inclusive and respectful dialogue between all the nations and cultures of the continent.
Von der Leyen chasing votes left and right
A palpable tension dominated themeeting between Ursula von der Leyen and the group of European Conservatives and Reformists (Ecr), led by Giorgia Meloni, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Crucial to his reconfirm at the helm of the European Commission, the meeting was a real test for the German leader in view of vote next Thursday, which remains uncertain given its secretive nature.
Already two days ago, before the start of the works without a formal appointment, Ursula was in Strasbourg. She was there to seek votes wherever possible, even from those who are notoriously distant from the policies of the Commission and its majority, such as the Left (Left), who confirmed his clear refusal toUrsula-bis criticizing the distance on issues such as the Green Deal, the situation in Gaza and workers' rights.
During the meeting with the most left-wing MEPs, the outgoing president reiterated that there will not be a structural agreement with Ecr. This statement is not surprising but, at the same time, it suggests the opposite: it could be ECR itself that supports his re-election, a precious support in the difficult search for an absolute majority.
The meeting with Ecr. Meloni, what will he do?
Despite the dense presence of journalists and numerous questions, von der Leyen left the meeting with few words: “It was an intense hour". An hour, in fact, that could decide its political future and the direction of the European Union in the coming years.
Inside the room, the tension was palpable. Carlo Fidanza, head of delegation of Fratelli d'Italia, opened the meeting with precise and decisive requests: “A radical change of pace on the Green Deal, overcoming the ideological approach that characterized the legislature just concluded and respect for technological neutrality. We cannot ignore that the recent elections rewarded parties critical of the Green Deal and penalized those who supported it.” Fidanza insisted on the need for a more pragmatic agricultural policy and praised von der Leyen for his firmness against pressure from the European left on the agreements with Tunisia and Egypt. “We must continue on the path traced by Giorgia Meloni, stipulating new agreements with African countries to stop departures and defeat the trafficking mafias”.
Von der Leyen, for her part, proposed the creation of an ad hoc commissioner for de-bureaucratization, aimed at improving the European business environment, and addressed current issues such as the negative impact of TikTok on young people, trying to demonstrate a careful and proactive vision. But he didn't convince everyone, on the contrary.
While the Belgians of New Flemish Alliance (N-Va) hey Czechs from the Civic Democratic Party (Ods) seem inclined towards an encore of von der Leyen, i Poles from Pis they remain strongly opposed. The MEP Beata Szydlo he openly expressed his distrust, underlining the need for a stronger leadership less influenced by left-wing ideologies. Adam Bielan, head of the Polish conservative delegation, added: “I can't imagine our support for another mandate. The EU needs strong leadership, not someone dependent on the ideologies of the left and the greens."
Even the delegations of Romania (Aur and Pncr) e France (Independents) expressed their opposition to a second mandate for von der Leyen, while the position of the 24 MEPs of Brothers of Italy remains uncertain. Melons, at the crossroads between abstention and external support, aims to obtain for Italy a leading commissioner and an executive vice-presidency in the new Commission. But the Italian leader has to deal with internal pressures: Antonio Tajani more moderate is for: “Let's listen to von der Leyen, let's pay attention to the contents”. On the other side, Matteo Salvini he is determined to say no to backroom deals. They are two opposing positions that Giorgia Meloni will have to carefully balance. This is why within FdI there are those who believe that the best path is abstention. However, in this scenario, any discreet support for von der Leyen would be more difficult to hide. It would be easier to be among the yes or no, who will be more numerous.
With the vote imminent, the German leader's political fate and the EU's future agenda hang by a thread. The position of Meloni and the ECR group will be decisive, influencing not only the reconfirmation of the EPP candidate, but also the political direction of the entire continent in the coming years.
