Who could replace Von der Leyen if she crashes out of the race to be EU chief? Analysis by Millie Cooke

Von der Leyen 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.

If VDL fails to secure re-election, this would leave the Green party in Germany eyeing other options.

The coalition agreement between the three ruling parties in Germany - the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Greens, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) - states that the Greens can nominate a candidate for another EU top job if the Commission president does not come from Germany.

The shortlist of alternative options includes two unlikely candidates - who are not major public figures on the EU stage.

Both Franziska Brantner and Sven Giegold are on the Greens' radar. Both of them are state secretaries in the German economy ministry - a department led by Robert Habeck, a Greens leader and Germany’s vice chancellor.

While both have significant EU experience, Branter - in charge of EU and trade policy with the economy ministry - is thought to be a frontrunner for a Commission post.

She has previously served as an MEP and is currently Germany's special representative for an international initiative to reduce corruption related to raw materials extraction.

Meanwhile, Giegold is Habeck’s right-hand man and focuses on policy related to small and medium-sized enterprises.

He previously served as an MEP for more than ten years, and sat on the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.

But ultimately, the main thing the Greens care about is gaining access to a "powerful post".

A source told Politico: "In the end, the decisive factor will be which Commission post ultimately becomes available. One thing is clear: We want access to a powerful post."

If Von der Leyen crashes out of the race to become EU Commission president for a second term, the Greens would be eyeing up a number of roles - including oversight of the EU budget, energy policy, or foreign affairs.