EU: Von der Leyen seeks second term as extreme right influence increases

Ursula von der Leyen announced on Monday that he will seek a second term as European Commission chief, pledging to protect the bloc from forces aimed at dividing it.

The 65-year-old German prime minister's candidacy comes at a time when the bloc is facing increased hard-line influence, Russia's fight against Ukraine and the possibility of former US President Donald Trump's return to the White House, something that is causing concern in allies.

“We must protect against divisions from the inside and from the outside. I'm sure we have the strength to do this, and this is the task I've put on myself”, Mrs. von der Leyen said in Berlin, as she confirmed her candidacy at a meeting of her Christian-Democratic Union (CDU).

Lady von der Leeyen has led the bloc's executive body since 2019, while the EU has passed an extraordinary period of obstacles from Brexit to the Corleone pandemic to Russia's aggression on its pro-EU neighbour, Ukraine.

Hendrik Westt, a key figure on the CDU in Germany, said another five years for it would be a very necessary continuation in a time of uncertainty.

A second term would be a sign of stability, that is even more necessary at a time when our European values are being attacked from all sides”, He told Polytico media.

After being appointed Monday by the CDU, the largest coalition of conservatives across the bloc -- the European People's Party Group (PEPP), which belongs to the CDU -- is expected to appoint it as its main candidate for the post when it meets in Bucharest on March 6th and 7th, the leader says. PEPP, Manfred Weber.

Ms. Von der Leyen, who was the close ally of former German cavalier Angela Merkel, has served as minister in her four cabinets and is the first woman to lead the European Commission.

A second term is likely to find the Commission with a changed political landscape.

Voter polls suggest that far-right and anti-immigration parties across Europe will get more seats in the European Parliament elections on June 6th-9th, pushing the legislature to the right.

This could slow the progress towards the green transition of the European Union, which Mrs. von der Leyeen had made a cornerstone of her first term. The group of European lawmakers who support Mr. Trump may also grow if he regains the White House.

) Determined to support Ukraine

EU lawmaker Daniel Caspary from the CDU said he expects its priorities to be shifted, with more concessions for European farmers, though its support for Ukraine and for sanctions against Russia is likely to continue.

Underlining the essential importance of staying behind Kiev, Mrs. von der Leyen said at the Munich Security Conference over the weekend that it was much more than just a Russia-Ukraine issue.

And if we are able to protect and preserve our values. The answer should be yes to”, She stressed.

While hinting for a possible return of Mr. Trump, who has shaken NATO allies by threatening not to protect those who fail to meet their defence spending commitments, Mrs. von der Leenen also stressed the importance of a strong “Europe”.

“Block must increase its defence resources by increasing the expenses for military protection products and ensuring that production is made in Europe so that billions in taxpayers' funds can be channeled to companies that are creating jobs on the continent”, She said.

Mrs. Von der Leyen also outlined plans to set a defence commissioner” if she wins a new mandate.

This is an open issue, but of course I think it's very important that Central and Eastern European countries get a weight portfolio and that's a portfolio of”, She said. / VOA