Von der Leyen’s Position Weakened, Claims Minister

Ursula von der Leyen’s presentation of her new European Commission has been postponed by a week, originally set for yesterday. This delay heightens concerns that the election process may miss the November 1 deadline, potentially causing a month-long delay in the Commission’s start.

In his latest article, published on ludovika.hu, Minister for Public Administration and Regional Development Tibor Navracsics mentions that such delays are not unusual; since the Lisbon Treaty, only one Commission, under Jean-Claude Juncker in 2014, began on time. Von der Leyen’s outgoing Commission also faced delays due to the European Parliament hearings.

Currently, von der Leyen’s position as Commission President appears precarious.

Despite her efforts to ensure gender equality by getting Slovenia to nominate a female commissioner, this nominee still needs approval from the Slovenian parliament. The postponement reflects not just a procedural hiccup but also questions about von der Leyen’s control over the process. “It seems as if the old-new president is not in control of the process,” the article notes, highlighting the challenges she faces.

Von der Leyen is encountering several challenges. The legitimacy she once enjoyed is weakened by domestic political shifts, such as her party’s loss in German elections, which has placed her in opposition. Furthermore, while she has received stronger-than-expected support in the European Parliament,

the new Commission is likely to be a more difficult and volatile partner” due to its more fragmented and polarized composition.

Politically, von der Leyen’s situation is complex. Her strength, once bolstered by her role as a governing politician from a key EU Member State, is now undermined by opposition status and weak support from member state leaders. “The support of the leaders of the Member States is much weaker,” and France’s President Emmanuel Macron has expressed reservations about von der Leyen’s re-nomination.

Inter-institutional relations are strained, with the new European Parliament expected to be a tougher partner due to its fragmented nature. Support from member states is also weakened, as domestic instability in Germany and France affects her standing.

The support she might have had from Germany, historically strength, is now compromised by its unstable domestic politics.

Ursula von der Leyen faces a challenging period ahead. The combined effects of procedural delays, weakened political legitimacy, and strained inter-institutional and member state relations suggest that her upcoming term may be more difficult than her previous one, complicating her ability to lead the European Commission effectively.

Via ludovika.hu; Featured Image: Facebook / European Parliament