With Support Shrinking, Von der Leyen Faces Trouble Ahead

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is facing credible and substantiated accusations of corruption, Peter Siklosi, senior researcher at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs, told Magyar Nemzet in an interview. Regardless of the outcome, even the mere fact that Von der Leyen had to face a motion of no confidence indicates a decline in her legitimacy, the expert emphasized, pointing out that this is further evidenced by the drop in support: while 401 MEPs voted for her a year ago, only 360 backed her in the most recent vote.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission (Photo: AFP)

Asked whether there’s a scenario where the Von der Leyen-led Commission could still fall later, despite the failure of the no-confidence motion, Peter Siklosi said it’s difficult to predict.

I think unless a new corruption scandal emerges or some other serious political issue comes to light, she’ll likely finish her term, though with reduced legitimacy,

said the lead researcher of the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs.

Cover photo: Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission (Photo: AFP)