Ursula von der Leyen is once again under fire in the European Parliament (EP), facing two no-confidence motions tabled separately by the right-wing Patriots for Europe (PfE) and The Left. The debate will take place on the evening of Monday, October 6th, with the votes scheduled separately for Thursday, October 9th.
Just three months after surviving her first censure attempt, von der Leyen now faces renewed criticism of her leadership and policy record. Both of the political groupings opposing her in the EP strongly oppose the EU-U.S. trade deal, which many in Europe view as unfavourable to exporters, as well as the EU-Mercosur agreement, which has raised concerns among farmers. Equally, von der Leyen’s lack of transparency faces criticism—a recurring, major theme from the previous censure attempt in July.
Beyond these common concerns, the EP challengers’ focus diverges: PfE questions the Commission’s handling of migration and green policies, while The Left highlights climate, social challenges, and the European Union’s response to the war in Gaza.
Despite these challenges, von der Leyen is expected to remain in office, backed by the European People’s Party (EPP), the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), and Renew Europe—the coalition that supported her re-election in 2024. With a two-thirds majority required for dismissal, the motions are not expected to succeed. In July, the tally showed 360 votes against her dismissal, 175 in favour and 18 abstentions.
Von der Leyen’s backers are trying to divert attention away from the President of the Commission, citing “more important” issues. In the words of a Renew Europe spokesperson:
We are at risk of degrading an instrument that we might need in much more serious circumstances. This Parliament has other things to do.
The president herself is trying to deflect, saying
It is part of our democracy, and I will always be ready to debate any issue that this house wants, with facts and with arguments.
This might sound more convincing had she not spent part of the July censure debate labeling her critics as “Russian puppets.”
Nevertheless, these twin challenges underscore the growing political divides surrounding von der Leyen’s second mandate. As she navigates economic headwinds, global competition, and geopolitical tensions, she also faces the delicate task of holding together her centrist coalition in an increasingly polarised EP.
