Ursula von der Leyen has been re-elected as the President of the European Commission following a secret ballot among Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
In a vote held in Strasbourg on Thursday, von der Leyen secured the backing of 401 MEPs, surpassing the required majority by 40 votes.
Von der Leyen, a member of the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), was first elected to the position in 2019. Her re-election ensures she will serve another five years at the helm of the European Union.
In her speech to MEPs ahead of the vote, von der Leyen outlined her vision for the future of the EU, emphasising a strong commitment to European defence through increased military spending and adherence to climate targets. She also addressed the rising tide of extremism and populism, vowing to protect the European way of life.
“Demagogues and extremists seek to destroy our European way of life. We must stand united against these threats and work together to strengthen our Union.
The last five years have shown what we can do together. Let us do it again. Let us make the choice of strength,” Von der Leyen stated.
Chioma Kalu
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