Ursula von der Leyen’s Political Fortitude Tested
In the political arena, Ursula von der Leyen (VDL) finds herself in a precarious position, having survived four motions of censure in recent months. Each successful vote, rather than fortifying her position, appears to further entangle her in the web of political factions that rallied to her defense.
Before VDL, the last European Commissioner to face a motion of censure in the European Parliament was Jean-Claude Juncker over a decade ago, in 2014.
Of course, neither of the recent censure motions was expected to secure the two-thirds majority needed to dislodge her. Nonetheless, they serve as a stark reminder of the shifting allegiances within the European Parliament, where factions on both the right and left are increasingly fractious.
Reuters reported:
“EU lawmakers rejected the two motions of censure with 378 members of the 720-strong parliament backing von der Leyen in the first vote and 383 in the second.”
Von der Leyen expressed gratitude on X, stating her team would collaborate closely with the parliament in addressing Europe’s pressing issues.
Her numbers, while an improvement from July’s 360 votes against her, still fall short of the 401 votes she garnered for re-election last July.
I deeply appreciate the strong support received today.
The Commission will keep working closely with the European Parliament to tackle Europe’s challenges. Together, we aim to deliver results for all European citizens.
United for our people, our values, and our future.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 9, 2025
However, the motions criticized her for endorsing a perceived lopsided tariff agreement with the United States and for proposing a controversial trade deal with the Mercosur bloc, which detractors argue jeopardizes local agriculture and the environment.
The outcomes of the U.S. and Mercosur agreements will soon be subject to votes in the European Parliament, with their future hanging in the balance.
Once again, Brussels shields Ursula von der Leyen from accountability. But we will not relent. Patriots for Europe continue to fight for our future, our citizens, and the truth. pic.twitter.com/T2kvKWPdzD
— Patriots for Europe (@PatriotsEP) October 9, 2025
Today we submitted a Motion of Censure against von der Leyen and this Commission.
For complicity in genocide, undemocratic trade agreements, and for rolling back on climate commitments.
The Parliament has chosen to defend VDL.
Nevertheless, we remain undeterred; pressure is mounting.
https://t.co/7H6LrWif9W pic.twitter.com/4QuVmK3yww
— The Left in the European Parliament (@Left_EU) October 9, 2025
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