Michel Barnier Questions EU Leadership
Michel Barnier, a former French prime minister and Brexit negotiator for the EU, has criticized Ursula von der Leyen for her alignment with what he describes as an “authoritarian drift” during her time as the head of the European Commission. He suggests that, under her leadership, the EU has shifted away from democratic values and has shown little concern for the everyday issues facing citizens.
Speaking ahead of the release of his book, What I Learned From You, Barnier expressed his views on the prominent authoritarian shift he perceives within the EU. He remarked that von der Leyen’s administration resembles a group of “super technocrats” rather than being relatable or accessible to the public. “It’s not enough to just listen,” he added, reflecting a frustration with a system he believes is disconnected.
This situation raises an interesting argument—might this drift actually be a feature of the EU’s structural design? It’s worth noting that von der Leyen wasn’t elected directly by European voters but was rather appointed following a series of negotiations among elites in Brussels, then confirmed by the European Parliament.
Von der Leyen herself comes from a notable background in Brussels; born in 1958 to a European diplomat, she has been part of the political landscape since childhood, leading many to view her as part of an unaccountable elite that has long influenced Europe.
Since taking office in 2019, she has overseen enhanced censorship measures, including the Digital Services Act, which imposes significant penalties on social media platforms if they do not control hate speech and misinformation. If companies fail to adhere to the rules set out by the EU, they could face fines reaching 6% of their global annual revenue.
During her term, von der Leyen has also emerged as a prominent advocate for strict measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, promoting the use of vaccine passports across Europe.
Moreover, calls from globalist politicians to use financial leverage against socially conservative EU nations, like Hungary and Poland, point to a desire to enforce progressive policies that often clash with traditional values surrounding issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.
Despite the costs associated with energy hikes and significant restrictions placed on farmers, the environmental agenda has remained a highlighted focus of von der Leyen’s tenure. Barnier remarked that von der Leyen’s disregard for the working class was evident during his negotiations with the UK, particularly noting that concerns about European fishermen were considered “secondary” in discussions.
