BRUSSELS – Ursula von der Leyen was confirmed for a second term as European Commission President yesterday following a heated debate in the European Parliament. The session was marked by sharp criticisms, notably from Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik, a Polish MEP representing the Eurosceptic and far-right Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN) group.
Zajączkowska-Hernik lambasted von der Leyen’s tenure, focusing her attack on the Commission President’s immigration and environmental policies. “You are the face of the European Green Deal, which is destroying the European economy and agriculture, which is leading to Europe becoming an economic backwater,” Zajączkowska-Hernik declared. Her impassioned speech echoed the growing frustration within certain factions of the European Parliament over the direction of EU policies.
The Polish MEP, known for her alignment with the hard-right Confederation party, accused von der Leyen of spearheading initiatives that she claims are detrimental to Europe’s prosperity. “You are the face of all the EU’s climate craziness, which leads to us Europeans becoming poorer and poorer,” she continued, criticizing the Green Deal’s impact on European citizens and industries.
Zajączkowska-Hernik’s scathing remarks didn’t stop at environmental issues. She targeted von der Leyen’s stance on immigration, referencing the controversial EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. This pact aims to distribute the responsibility for asylum seekers more evenly across member states. Addressing von der Leyen directly, she questioned, “How aren’t you ashamed of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum?”
The most dramatic moment came when Zajączkowska-Hernik suggested von der Leyen deserved incarceration over her policies. “You should go to prison, not to the European Commission,” she asserted, reflecting the extreme discontent among certain EU parliamentarians.
Despite the intense criticism, Ursula von der Leyen secured her second term as European Commission President. Her leadership, particularly on climate action and migration, remains contentious but ultimately supported by a majority in the European Parliament.
As von der Leyen embarks on her next term, the polarization within the European Parliament is evident. The clash over her policies underscores the broader ideological divides that define current European politics. Observers will be watching closely to see how von der Leyen navigates these turbulent waters in her renewed mandate.
Von der Leyen’s reappointment signals continuity in the EU’s approach to critical issues such as climate change and migration. However, the fervent opposition from figures like Zajączkowska-Hernik indicates that the path ahead will be fraught with challenges. The debate highlights the need for balancing progressive policies with the concerns of more conservative factions within the union.
