The motion of no confidence was submitted by dozens of members of parliament from far-right, nationalist, and conservative backgrounds. They accuse Von der Leyen of refusing to disclose her SMS contacts with the CEO of the pharmaceutical company Pilzer. Pilzer played a central role in the EU strategy for the massive procurement of medicines at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Although the motion will certainly not reach the required two-thirds majority on Thursday, the debate primarily sparked discussion within the pro-European camp about Von der Leyen’s ‘turning a blind eye and tolerating’ behavior. Center-left and liberal MEPs doubt whether Von der Leyen still represents their values, now that she allows her EPP faction to align with more right-wing currents.
The actions of EPP leader Manfred Weber contributed to those tensions. He defended the current cooperation with social democrats and liberals but at the same time did not exclude accepting support from the far right. This stance aroused suspicion among other factions about the direction the Christian Democrats want to take under Von der Leyen.
The Greens emphasized that there are no majorities at the extremes in the parliament. According to co-faction leader Bas Eickhout, it is precisely the pro-European centrist parties, including the Greens, that help the Commission secure a majority. However, this centrist base is coming under pressure due to the EPP’s strategy.
Within liberal and social democratic factions, irritation is growing over the EPP’s attitude. They want to cooperate with the Christian Democrats but not at any cost. There is a fear that Von der Leyen’s course opens the door to a renewed alliance between the center and radical right.
At the same time, the Commission’s credibility is also being undermined from within. Its refusal to be transparent about communications with Pilzer raises questions about transparency and political accountability. Criticism of her closed leadership style comes not only from opponents but also from former allies.
Von der Leyen fully defended her position and dedication during the debate but offered no apologies or excuses, although European investigators and judges have clearly stated that she should make her app messages public and that she lacks transparency about her actions and decisions.
Although the motion will not pass, the debate reveals that support for Von der Leyen is shaky. The strategy of her political EPP family to seek majorities on individual issues with shifting allies leads to uncertainty among traditional partners. The arithmetic majority that sustains Von der Leyen II increasingly seems less self-evident in practice.