The European Parliament is set to debate and vote on two separate motions of no confidence against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in October. According to an internal communication from Parliament President Roberta Metsola, reported by Politico, the debates and votes will occur during the parliamentary plenary session scheduled for October 6th to 9th.
The motions were formally submitted on September 5th, at the earliest permissible time under parliamentary rules, by two distinct political groups: “Patriotic Europeans” and The Left.
“Patriotic Europeans” have voiced concerns regarding a perceived lack of transparency and accountability from President von der Leyen, specifically targeting her handling of trade agreements, including those with Mercosur and the United States. The Left’s motion similarly critiques the Commission’s trade policy but also raises concerns over von der Leyen’s response to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
This marks a second occasion this year that President von der Leyen has faced a vote of no confidence within the European Parliament; she successfully navigated a similar motion in July.