Breaking: President Biden Backs Ursula von der Leyen to be NATO Chief - Global Research
Global ResearchAPR 2023
Von der Leyen to Seek Second Term as EC Head
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The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Ursula von der Leyen was unanimously chosen by the CDU to remain as the executive commission's candidate. This decision sends a strong message to Europe, as the European Peoples Party (EPP), which is dominated by Christian Democrats, is anticipated to maintain its majority in the legislature following the European elections that take place in June. It's unlikely that any other candidate will be able to realistically challenge von der Leyen for the job.
Establishment-critical narrative
Ursula von der Leyen was confirmed by the EU Parliament and selected by EU leaders in 2019, lacking any form of democratic legitimacy. In the upcoming election, the European people will once again not vote on the Commission's executive. Rather, the political party with the highest percentage of votes will choose the presidency. Von der Leyen's path to remain commissioner is a glaring illustration of the EU's democratic shortcomings.