Ursula von der Leyen Faces No-confidence Motion Amid Allegations

The European Commission’s Ursula von der Leyen claimed that her attempts to move past old issues related to Russiagate and maintain her position in Brussels were influenced by interference from Moscow.

In a recent session of the European Parliament, von der Leyen labeled her opponents as “extremists” after she declined to reveal a text message exchanged with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla during talks for securing a coronavirus vaccine. This occurred as she faced a crucial attempt to have her removed through a no-confidence vote.

“We should have no illusions about the dangers threatening democracy. We are entering a struggle between democracy and illiberalism,” she stated. She highlighted the significant threat posed by extremist groups that aim to polarize society with misinformation, as reported by EuroNews.

Von der Leyen further asserted, “There’s no evidence they have solutions, but it’s clear many are backed by forces from our adversaries, including Russia. Just look at some of those supporting this motion.” The allegations initiating the no-confidence motion were put forth by Romanian MEP Gheorghe Piperea, gaining backing from 77 other EU lawmakers, surpassing the threshold required for a vote this Thursday.

Her governing coalition has been losing strength in recent months, and despite the frustrations expressed by Socialist and Green MEPs regarding softer stances on the European Green Deal, it seems unlikely this motion will gather the two-thirds majority needed to remove her from office.

Nonetheless, Piperea has asserted that this no-confidence vote is merely the start of efforts to undermine her authority, expressing hopes she will eventually be compelled to resign by year-end.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph in London, Romanian MEP Piperea remarked, “She exhibits a clear inclination towards totalitarianism. The Commission is steadily accumulating power that encroaches on the rights of member states and the EU Parliament itself.” He emphasized that his mission is to restore democracy and ensure transparency in EU decision-making, claiming that the Commission is violating the rule of law.

In response to von der Leyen’s accusations of him being a “Russian doll,” Piperea drew a parallel to a quote from Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin, stating, “Those who are not with us are against us… Those who are not with me are Putin’s friends,” in reference to von der Leyen.

The European Court of Justice has pointed out issues related to transparency concerning von der Leyen’s communications with Pfizer, and also criticized her for an “abusive use” of Article 122 of the EU treaty regarding significant defense spending without EU government consent.

Responding to these criticisms, the politician claimed they could either chase after conspiracy theories hinting at a vast plotting world led by Piperea or recognize these as attempts to drive a wedge between EU institutions.

The no-confidence initiative has found supporters among populist groups in the EU Parliament. Jordan Bardella, chairman of the Union and president of the French National Assembly, stated, “Europe deserves better than silence and opacity. It’s time to move away from Ursula von der Leyen’s bureaucratic authoritarianism. She leads the Commission with an attitude that distances it from the real values of people and our continent.”