Von der Leyen faces being OUSTED from EU parliament as socialist party closes in
Ursula Von der Leyen may be facing an election crisis next year as Europe's socialists are gearing up to challenge her for the top EU job.
Their increasing popularity could result in Von der Leyen being ousted from her role as Chief of the European Parliament.
Both right and left-wing parties in Europe are closing in on the incumbent EU president, as she faces significant threats on both sides of the political spectrum.
The party of European Socialists, an umbrella group of centre-left parties, are drawing up plans to select a lead candidate who will be put forward to challenge Von der Leyen.
The EU chief has not yet announced whether or not she will be running for a second term in office.
Giacomo Filibeck, executive secretary general of the Party of European Socialists, said Von der Leyen is "preparing herself to continue in her function".
Party of European Socialists
But Giacomo Filibeck, executive secretary general of the Party of European Socialists, said she is "preparing herself to continue in her function".
He said it would be "good news" for his party if she decided to run, adding: "But if it doesn’t happen this way, I would not like to be in their shoes".
Von der Leyen's party, the European People's Party, is under pressure to announce their candidate and put together a strategy as parties on both the left and right continue to organise.
Speaking to Politico, Fillibeck dismissed recent right-wing victories across Europe, saying: "We can reverse the trend. The centre-right and nationalists are not destined to win. We can win this showdown."
But both sides of the political spectrum appear to be significant threats to Von der Leyen's hold on a majority.
Hungary's Viktor Orban is hoping to secure a right-wing majority and oust the EU chief.
His right-hand man, Balázs Orbán said: "We were very supportive of her.
"But now she’s pushing her own political agenda without consulting member states, on geopolitics, relationship with the U.S. and China, on war issues, sanctions."
He accused Von der Leyen of being at the helm of a "divisive" routine, saying that "the way the Commission is operating is not good for unity".
He added: "They come up with a proposal and then put pressure on member states to say yes."
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Hungary's Viktor Orban is hoping to secure a right wing majority and oust the EU chief.
PA
Hungary is hoping to form a right wing majority in the European parliament, with Balázs Orbán optimistically saying: "I think we have a chance, I think it will be very close.
"In France, the right will win. In Italy, the right will win, in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland, the right is going to win, and those are the biggest countries.
"In Spain, it will be close. In all major countries some kind of right is going to win."
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