The recent vote of confidence for Ursula von der Leyen has raised eyebrows across Europe. Despite her position as President of the European Commission, support for von der Leyen was surprisingly tepid during the parliamentary session on 2025-07-10 21:01:00.
- Lackluster support for von der Leyen noted.
- Only 553 of 719 MEPs voted.
- High absenteeism, especially among Italian MEPs.
- More MEPs supported motion to remove her.
- Significant absenteeism from French lawmakers.
- Voting patterns varied across EU countries.
Only 553 of the 719 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) participated in the vote, with many lawmakers deliberately absent. This lack of engagement highlights growing discontent within the EU, as evidenced by the fact that more lawmakers opposed her than supported her.
This lukewarm reception begs the question: what does this mean for the future of EU governance? The absence of key representatives suggests a disconnect between leaders and their constituents. Key points to consider include:
- Only 30% of Italy’s MEPs voted in favor of von der Leyen.
- In Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and France, opposition outnumbered support.
- Absenteeism may reflect broader dissatisfaction with EU policies.
As the EU navigates these turbulent waters, it’s crucial for leaders to engage with their constituents to restore confidence and stability. Will von der Leyen adapt to these challenges, or will the EU seek new leadership?