In order to lead the center-right European People’s Party (EPP) in the upcoming European elections, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has declared her candidature for a second term on Monday. She made the announcement at a Press conference in Berlin.
She stated that she made her choice because she firmly believes in Europe and wants to keep working to make the European Union (EU) stronger. Being a native of Europe and the President of the European Commission since 2019, von der Leyen has claimed that she is in a unique position to further EU advancements.
Highlights of von der Leyen’s First Term
During her tenure, von der Leyen has been largely reported by her supporters to be a reliable leader in difficult situations , such as managing the COVID-19 pandemic and handling the situation involving Russia and Ukraine. She has played a significant role in promoting more defence spending to strengthen European security and demonstrating the EU’s support for Ukraine. Both admirers and detractors have praised von der Leyen’s assertive leadership style. While some have praised her for her ability to move quickly during emergencies, others have expressed reservations about her strategy, especially when it comes to consulting EU member states before making important decisions.
Von der Leyen’s Leadership Style
Von der Leyen has advanced significantly in her first term in spite of criticism. She oversaw the EU’s decision to begin accession negotiations with Ukraine, which was a critical first step in fortifying relations between the two nations. Her strong partnership with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has also increased her stature in EU circles, establishing her as one of the most powerful Commission chiefs in recent years.
Von der Leyen has to balance her bid for the EPP with her responsibilities as President of the European Commission in order to overcome these obstacles. She has pledged to follow campaign guidelines that guarantee a distinct division of her commission duties from campaign-related activity. Her commitment to Europe and her dream of a more powerful, unified EU are what according to her, motivated her to seek a second term in spite of the difficulties.
