Von der Leyen Resists Heated Motion of No Confidence in European Parliament
brussel, dinsdag, 8 juli 2025.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has fiercely defended herself against a motion of no confidence in the European Parliament, submitted by 72 Members of Parliament. The trigger was her refusal to make public messages exchanged with a Pfizer executive during the coronavirus pandemic. Despite intense criticism and accusations of authoritarian leadership, Von der Leyen managed to maintain her position and reject the motion. The vote on the motion will take place on Thursday, but it is expected not to pass.
Von der Leyen’s Forceful Response
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen responded forcefully to the motion of no confidence. She accused the proposers of attempting to undermine democracy and rewrite history. “This comes straight from the extremist playbook, aimed at polarising society,” she said during the debate in the European Parliament. [1][2][3][4][5]
Background of the Motion
The motion of no confidence was submitted by 72 Members of Parliament, primarily from far-right parties, including Gheorghe Piperea, a conservative Romanian. The catalyst for the motion was Von der Leyen’s refusal to disclose messages exchanged with a Pfizer executive during the coronavirus pandemic. In May 2025, the European Court ruled that the Commission should release these messages, but Von der Leyen continued to refuse. [1][2][3][4][5]
Support and Criticism in Parliament
Despite fierce criticism, Von der Leyen received support from a broad majority in the European Parliament. Manfred Weber, leader of the EPP group, was clear: “The unlikely fall of the Commission jeopardises complex trade negotiations with Trump.” Social Democrats and Liberals, though critical, will not support the motion. Iratxe García Pérez, leader of the Social Democrats, stated: “With whom do you want to govern? With those who want to destroy Europe, or with those who want to build it?” [1][2][3][4][5]
Impact and Future Prospects
The vote on the motion of no confidence will take place on Thursday. A two-thirds majority is required to dismiss the Commission, but it is expected that this will not happen. Centrist parties have already indicated they will not support the motion. Von der Leyen presented 26 commissioners in Strasbourg to demonstrate solidarity. She promised to adhere to the rules and seek a compromise, although there is no guarantee of the sustainability of this promise. [1][2][3][4][5]