Ursula von der Leyen faces second-term speculations
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, finds herself at the centre of mounting speculation regarding a potential second term, as reported by Agerpres.ro.
As reported by "Politico" and cited by Agerpres, von der Leyen faced polite inquiries about her plans during a recent luncheon with EU member state ambassadors.
Following President of the European Council Charles Michel's announcement of his candidacy for the upcoming European Parliament elections, calls have emerged for von der Leyen to clarify her intentions.
Sources reveal a diplomatic luncheon attendee stating, "Not even a single muscle moved on her face" during the recent gathering organised by the European Commission.
The decision to declare a bid for another term in leading the EU executive poses challenges for von der Leyen. Questions arise about whether she acts as the President of the Commission or as a candidate once her intentions are declared. Political actions, such as her participation in a Renew Europe group conference in September, are scrutinised for potential signals of her intentions.
According to "Politico," potential candidates for the European People's Party (EPP) "head of the list" position, affiliated with von der Leyen's Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU), can announce their candidacies until February 21. The EPP will subject them to a vote at its congress in Bucharest on March 6-7.
EPP President Manfred Weber declares Ursula von der Leyen as the top choice for the EPP's "head of the list" candidate.
Von der Leyen, appointed without participating in the 2019 European Parliament elections, faces criticism for lacking "democratic legitimacy."
If she decides to run, von der Leyen won't need to resign or take unpaid leave, thanks to internal regulations allowing members of the College of Commissioners to retain their positions during EU role campaigns. The unfolding scenario places the EU Commission President under heightened scrutiny and potential candidacy pressures.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
