Ursula von der Leyen has been reelected by the European Parliament as president of the European Commission, the leader of the EU’s executive branch, for another 5-year term. Von der Leyen enjoyed the support of the body’s center-right, centrist, center-left and Green blocs, with the various far-right coalitions voting against her. (AP)
Our Take
Since taking office in 2019, von der Leyen has had no shortage of critics, many of whom point to her leadership style, which centralizes decision-making and can tend toward micromanagement. Others argue she has at times overstepped her position, particularly by advocating for policies—like aligning with the U.S. on China—that reflect her personal preference rather than that of the EU’s member states.
But over the course of her first term, which has coincided with some of the most momentous crises the EU has faced, von der Leyen has also proven herself to be an effective leader.