FPÖ Votes for Motion of No Confidence Against Von der Leyen

A representative of the Freedom Party in the European Parliament stated on Tuesday, in response to an APA inquiry, that the entire FPÖ delegation would support the motion of no confidence. It is likely that the entire "Patriots for Europe" faction, to which the FPÖ belongs, will also agree. However, corresponding internal discussions are still pending.

Motion of no confidence against Von der Leyen by right-wing faction in the EU Parliament

The motion of no confidence, introduced by the right-wing Romanian MEP Gheorghe Piperea from the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) faction, found sufficient support with its allegations regarding the Commission's COVID-19 policy and alleged interference in elections in member states like Romania and Germany - for example, from the Austrian MEP Roman Hauser (FPÖ). For the ÖVP, delegation leader Reinhold Lopatka emphasized on Tuesday that "in view of the really great challenges," "such a partisan spectacle is absolutely out of place." It is "clear that we will vote unanimously against the motion of no confidence," said Lopatka, whose EPP faction is also Von der Leyen's political home.

Schieder expects worse result for Von der Leyen than a year ago

"We will not support this endeavor," said the Social Democratic delegation leader Andreas Schieder, as the initiators of the motion of no confidence wanted to weaken the European Union. It is unlikely that the motion of no confidence will succeed, as the ECR is also divided. However, Von der Leyen will perform significantly worse in the vote than in her re-election a year ago, said Schieder. At that time, the Commission President received 401 out of 720 votes. The Social Democratic faction also wants to discuss its voting behavior further.

The liberal Renew faction will "vote against the motion with a large majority," said NEOS MEP Anna Stürgkh. However, she criticized the EU Commission's handling of transparency, for example, in connection with text messages exchanged by Von der Leyen with the CEO of the pharmaceutical company Pfizer during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, the Commission must act more proactively. Stürgkh also criticized delays in the EU Commission's responses to parliamentary inquiries.

Motion of No Confidence Against Von der Leyen: Criticism from Greens Towards European People's Party

The mood among the pro-European parties is very tense, said the Green delegation leader, Thomas Waitz, who will likely abstain from voting on Thursday, as he stated. The EPP has "broken a lot of china" through its collaboration with right-wing parties. Due to the interplay of the EPP in the European Parliament, the coalition of pro-European parties has come "under heavy fire." Because of these conflicts between the parties, Waitz expects a large number of abstentions on Thursday, which von der Leyen will feel.

EPP leader Manfred Weber is "the worst agent for von der Leyen," said SPÖ delegation leader Schieder. He also criticized that trust has been shaken, especially after the EU Commission recently backtracked on the law against greenwashing at the request of the EPP and right-wing parties. Schieder also called for clarity on the EU budget. Currently, there are rumors that funds are to be consolidated, and Schieder demanded a future for the European Social Fund.

Lopatka: Only in 2.6 Percent Majority of EPP with ECR and "Patriots"

"The Social Democrats and the Liberals have a problem with the new majorities," Lopatka dismissed the criticism from the other parties. There is no coalition agreement between these parties and the EPP like on a national level, but merely an agreement for cooperation, which does not exclude collaboration with other parties. According to Lopatka, since the European elections last year, the EPP, Social Democrats, and Liberals have voted together in 86.6 percent of roll-call votes. Only in 2.6 percent was there a majority of EPP with ECR and "Patriots" against the other parties. Nevertheless, the Social Democrats have prevented majorities against the EPP together with ECR and "Patriots" in 7.7 percent of the votes, said Lopatka.

(APA/Red)

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