Ursula von der Leyen is set to engage in a symbolic no-confidence vote this week, originating from complaints regarding transparency issues, particularly surrounding her commission's dealings with Pfizer during the pandemic.
Ursula von der Leyen Faces No-Confidence Vote Amid Far-Right Criticism
Ursula von der Leyen Faces No-Confidence Vote Amid Far-Right Criticism
European Commission president defends transparency amidst challenges from far-right members in Parliament.
July 7, 2025
Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, is bracing for a no-confidence vote scheduled in the European Parliament this Thursday. While the outcome of this measure is anticipated to fail, it will represent a crucial challenge to the EU's leading figure amid rising tensions.
In preparation for the vote, von der Leyen participated in a debate before Parliament on Monday, addressing grievances related to transparency lodged against her. The root of the challenge arose from members of Europe's far-right faction, specifically Gheorghe Piperea, a new Romanian parliamentary member affiliated with a party frequently critical of the EU. Piperea has accused von der Leyen's commission of failing to uphold transparency.
This dissatisfaction includes concerns following a lawsuit instigated by The New York Times, which challenged the Commission's rejection of a request to access text messages exchanged between von der Leyen and Dr. Albert Bourla, the CEO of Pfizer, during her negotiations for COVID-19 vaccine supplies. Earlier in May, the General Court in Luxembourg ruled in favor of The Times, asserting the Commission did not provide adequate reasoning for the refusal.
Piperea's allegations additionally highlighted the Commission's initiatives to enhance joint defense procurement and enforce regulations on digital services, contending the opaque behavior of the Commission had been damaging to public trust.
Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, is bracing for a no-confidence vote scheduled in the European Parliament this Thursday. While the outcome of this measure is anticipated to fail, it will represent a crucial challenge to the EU's leading figure amid rising tensions.
In preparation for the vote, von der Leyen participated in a debate before Parliament on Monday, addressing grievances related to transparency lodged against her. The root of the challenge arose from members of Europe's far-right faction, specifically Gheorghe Piperea, a new Romanian parliamentary member affiliated with a party frequently critical of the EU. Piperea has accused von der Leyen's commission of failing to uphold transparency.
This dissatisfaction includes concerns following a lawsuit instigated by The New York Times, which challenged the Commission's rejection of a request to access text messages exchanged between von der Leyen and Dr. Albert Bourla, the CEO of Pfizer, during her negotiations for COVID-19 vaccine supplies. Earlier in May, the General Court in Luxembourg ruled in favor of The Times, asserting the Commission did not provide adequate reasoning for the refusal.
Piperea's allegations additionally highlighted the Commission's initiatives to enhance joint defense procurement and enforce regulations on digital services, contending the opaque behavior of the Commission had been damaging to public trust.
