Ursula von der Leyen vows not to tolerate polarization and destruction of EU by extremists

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is seeking re-election by the European Parliament on Thursday, promised MEPs not to tolerate the “extreme polarization of European societies” and the “demagogues and extremists destroying” European politics. Union (EU).

“I am convinced that the version of Europe after the Second World War, with all its imperfections and inequalities, remains the best version of history. I will never stand by and watch its dismemberment from within or without, I will never allow the extreme polarization of our societies to be accepted, I will never allow demagogues and extremists to destroy our European way of life, and I am here this Thursday, ready to lead the fight against all democratic forces in this House. [assembleia europeia]” said Ursula von der Leyen.

Addressing MEPs at a plenary session in the French city of Strasbourg, the leader of the community’s executive, who is seeking to return to office for another five years on Thursday, said she was “deeply concerned” by the “clear attempt to divide and polarize societies” that was causing “anxiety and uncertainty” among citizens.

“I am convinced that Europe, a strong Europe, can rise to this challenge, and that is why I am asking you today for your confidence,” he said.

After the candidate of the European People’s Party met with parliamentary groups (such as the Socialists, Liberals, Greens and Conservatives) in recent days to seek support from these parliamentarians, Ursula von der Leyen presents her programme and her proposals for a possible re-election with the aim of being re-elected for a new five-year term.

The European Parliament must approve, in line with the proposal made by the European Council at the end of June, the new Commission President by an absolute majority (half of all MEPs plus one), with Ursula von der Leyen needing the green light from at least 361 parliamentarians (out of 720).

In July 2019, the European Parliament approved Ursula von der Leyen as the first female President of the European Commission by 383 votes in favour, 327 against and 22 abstentions in a closed vote.

Ursula von der Leyen has been President of the Commission since December 2019 and was the candidate at the top of the European People’s Party’s list in the European elections from 6 to 9 June.

Taking into account the European elections and recent party changes in the European Parliament, the European People’s Party has the largest number of seats (188), followed by the Socialists (136), the new far-right party Patriots of Europe (84), the Conservatives and Reformists (78) and the Liberals (77), the Greens (53) and the Left (46), according to the latest distribution.