Today Ursula von der Leyen goes to the count in Strasbourg with a fateful number in her head: 401. These are the votes with which she was re-elected president of the European Commission on 18 July last, by secret ballot. Its new college of commissioners will be voted on in plenary, by simple majority and by open vote. However, the European political landscape has undergone significant changes in recent months. One of the most important was the openness towards the ECR group, the European Conservatives and Reformists, of which Fratelli d’Italia is part, which will vote in its support since Fitto is both commissioner of the Pnrr and vice-president.
The president of the EU Commission has confidence and manages to include greens, socialists, liberals, EPP and ECR in her new majority. The Socialists are clear in declaring that the majority includes the Greens but not ECR. The Greens feel included in the coalition, but only partially. The EPP, then, through its group leader Manfred Weber, speaks of a European majority that goes “from the Greens to the ECR”, specifying that the pro-European front includes only a part of the ECR, or Brothers of Italy. In reality, Giorgia Meloni’s party will give its vote to today’s package, reserving the right to give its support in the future depending on the measures that will be launched by the new Commission.
Von der Leyen’s other strategic move concerns the greens: he has in fact appointed former group leader Philippe Lamberts as special advisor on climate. At that point, half of the Green group, around twenty MEPs led by the German and Dutch delegations, chose to support the new Commission. The Italian, Belgian and French delegations instead opt for no. Difficult situation even among socialists. The group, led by the Spanish Iratxe García Pérez, decided to support the new Commission, taking a step back from the no to Raffaele Fitto, who many of them had described as an “exponent of a post-fascist force”. The Italian and Spanish delegations lead the yes front for von der Leyen, while the Germans, French and Belgians are divided between abstentions and votes against.
In Italy, meanwhile, the Democratic Party’s protests over the nomination of Raffaele Fitto as executive vice president have dissolved into a soap bubble. “Italians understand that having an executive vice president of the European Commission, a role never held before by Italy, with strategic delegations, is a great opportunity and reflects Italy’s role in Europe”, said Giorgia Meloni. According to breaking news reported by Ansa, however, the German SPD has decided to abstain. “For the first time in the history of EU institutions, a representative of a post-fascist party is about to obtain a leadership position. This was only possible because the President of the Commission proposed Raffaele Fitto to the prominent position of Vice-President of the Commission, even if the family of his party, that is Ecr, did not vote for his nomination”, wrote the SPD delegation to the European Chamber, MEP Rene Repasi, in a note.
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What challenges does Ursula von der Leyen face in securing support for her new college of commissioners?
## Interview with EU Analyst on Ursula von der Leyen’s Re-election
**Host:** Welcome to the show. Today we’re discussing Ursula von der Leyen’s re-election as President of the European Commission. Joining us is [Guest Name], an expert on EU affairs.
**Guest:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** The initial vote in July saw von der Leyen secure a comfortable majority, but the political landscape has shifted since then. Can you elaborate on the challenges she faces in securing support for her new college of commissioners?
**Guest:** Absolutely. The composition of the European Parliament has changed, and von der Leyen is now navigating a more fragmented political landscape. [[1](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/18/world/europe/european-commission-von-der-leyen.html)]While she secured a strong victory in July, garnering 401 votes, building a stable majority for her new team will require delicate coalition-building.
**Host:** There’s been significant discussion about the inclusion of the ECR group, the European Conservatives and Reformists, which includes Italy’s Fratelli d’Italia party. How significant is their support for von der Leyen?
**Guest:** It’s crucial. [[Input Text]]highlights that the ECR’s support, particularly from Fratelli d’Italia, is conditional, based on the future policies of the Commission. This pragmatic approach reflects the complex dynamics within the ECR, as some factions are more aligned with von der Leyen’s vision than others.
**Host:** How are the Greens, traditionally critical of the ECR, navigating this shifting landscape?
**Guest:** It’s a tricky situation. The Greens feel partially included in the new majority but are wary of the ECR’s influence. [[Input Text]]mentions that von der Leyen appointed former Green leader Philippe Lamberts as a climate advisor, a move likely aimed at securing their support. However, the Green vote remains divided, demonstrating the complexities of this new political alignment.
**Host:** And what about the Socialists? Their stance seems equally ambivalent.
**Guest:** That’s right. The Socialists have officially declared their support for the new Commission, but divisions remain within their ranks. [[Input Text]]mentions internal debates about the inclusion of Raffaele Fitto from Fratelli d’Italia. Ultimately, the Italian and Spanish Socialist delegations are leading the “yes” vote, while others are hesitant.
**Host:**
So, with these different factions and competing interests, what does the future hold for von der Leyen’s Commission?
**Guest:** It’s going to be challenging but potentially rewarding. Building a stable and effective majority will require continued maneuvering and negotiation. The success of von der Leyen’s second term depends significantly on her ability to bridge these divides and forge a unified policy agenda that enjoys broad support across the political spectrum.
**Host:** Fascinating insights, [Guest Name]. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
