Ursula von der Leyen Faces Renewed No-Confidence Challenge

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is once again facing no-confidence motions in the European Parliament, marking the second such challenge in just three months. Both far-right and left-wing groups aim to present motions this week that, while unlikely to unseat her, may reveal deeper dissatisfaction with her leadership.

The motions are spearheaded by France's far-right leader Jordan Bardella and hard-left politician Manon Aubry. Each camp is set to present its case on Monday, followed by a defense from von der Leyen and responses from leaders of all party groups. Voting is scheduled for Thursday. This isn't a new scenario for von der Leyen, having survived a previous no-confidence motion from far-right lawmakers in July.

These no-confidence efforts have been made easier post-2024 elections, with the far right gaining more than 100 seats. The right criticizes what it calls "misguided" green policies and immigration issues, while the left condemns EU's Gaza inaction. Both sides oppose an EU trade deal with the U.S. and the proposed EU-Mercosur deal, citing risks to agriculture and the environment.

(With inputs from agencies.)