Is this the end of Von Der Leyen as French plot her downfall?

Is this the end of Von Der Leyen as French plot her downfall?
Millie Cooke

By Millie Cooke


Published: 31/05/2024

- 09:56

Updated: 31/05/2024

- 10:44

If Berlin or Paris put forward another name that is not Von der Leyen - this could throw a major spanner in the works for the incumbent EU chief

Ursula von der Leyen has long been seen as the frontrunner to win the EU elections in July - but this may be hanging in the balance.

She had a strong first term in office and the launch of her campaign was shrouded in optimism, with many expecting her path to re-election to be plain sailing.


But as the campaign rumbles on, a smooth path to victory is looking increasingly unlikely.

Emmanuel Macron, a key ally of Von der Leyen, is one area where support is looking rocky.

Von der Leyen/Macron

Ursula von der Leyen has long been seen as the frontrunner to win the EU elections in July

PA

While the French President has not yet withdrawn support for Von der Leyen, he has allowed his allies to float the name of another candidate - Mario Draghi.

The former Italian Prime Minister and central bank chief has been repeatedly suggested by Macron allies as a candidate for top EU jobs - including the job currently held by Von der Leyen herself.

Macron's silence on this issue, allowing rumours of support for Draghi to rumble on, is notable - and worrying for Von der Leyen.

But it's not just France, there is also a chance Berlin will abandon VDL.

While it has long been assumed Germany will back a German candidate for the EU Commission President, sources suggested to Politico that Berlin's support for Von der Leyen is not as firm as it was once thought.

It is currently unlikely that Olaf Scholz would swing behind Draghi - but the deal stipulated in his coalition does allow for a second German candidate to be put forward, as long as they are from the Greens.

Worryingly for Von der Leyen, German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock - from the Green party - is one of the names being floated as an alternative.,/

As the lead candidate for the EPP, Von der Leyen is likely to secure the backing of 12 EU leaders on the council.

But if Berlin or Paris put forward another name that is not Von der Leyen - this could throw a major spanner in the works for the incumbent EU chief.

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