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.
#Ursula #bis #socialists #split #French #Germans #Fitto #Tempo
How will Ursula von der Leyen ensure that the priorities of Fratelli d’Italia align with the broader goals of the European Commission?
## Interview with Ursula von der Leyen: Navigating a Shifting Political Landscape
**Host:** Welcome back to the program. Today, we’re joined by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
President von der Leyen, your new college of commissioners faces a vote today. How confident are you in securing enough support, given the significant political shifts since your re-election in July?
**Von der Leyen:** [Looks confident, but acknowledges the challenge] I am confident in the support we will receive today.
The European landscape has indeed evolved. [She alludes to the inclusion of the ECR], but I believe we have built a strong and diverse coalition that represents the best interests of the European Union. We have reached out to all parties, engaging in constructive dialogue and seeking common ground.
**Host:**
There’s been particular attention on the inclusion of Fratelli d’Italia, part of the ECR group, in your new majority. How will you ensure that their priorities align with the broader goals of the Commission?
**Von der Leyen:** [diplomatic tone]
It’s important to remember that the European Commission is committed to serving all European citizens. We will work with all members of the Parliament, engaging in open and transparent discussions. My commitment is to build consensus, fostering a spirit of cooperation and finding solutions that benefit all Europeans.
**Host:**
Some within the Greens, and even the Socialist group, have expressed Reservations about the inclusion of the ECR. How will you address these concerns?
**Von der Leyen:** [Emphasizes building bridges]
I understand the concerns expressed, and I believe it’s crucial for us to have open and honest dialogue. We must strive to find common ground while respecting the diversity of views.
My appointment of Philippe Lamberts as special advisor on climate demonstrates our commitment to tackling the climate crisis.
We will continue to work with all stakeholders, including the Greens, to build a sustainable future for Europe.
**Host:**
Thank you, President von der Leyen. We wish you all the best in today’s vote.
** Close with a reminder to viewers about the upcoming vote and its importance.**