Von der Leyen, many doubts and ‘no’ among Italian MEPs; only PD and Forza Italia ready to vote for a second term

Brussels – Italy in Europe seems to have more reservations than appreciation to give the outgoing President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, support for a second term. One week to the vote that will clarify whether the German could be the first woman to lead the EU executive two terms in a row, only the Italian delegations of Forza Italia (EPP) and the Democratic Party  (S&D) are openly in favor.

For Forza Italia, there is no problem since the EPP compactly supports von der Leyen. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, also secretary of Forza Italia, has always said he stands by the name indicated by the European Populars. For the PD, “the premises are good,” according to the head of the Brando Benifei, who, however, adds, “We want more clarity on the rule of law, cohesion, the right to housing, and the continuation of the NextGenerationEU program.”

Democrats are uncertain and leaning toward support, FI in favor. The other are all announced contrary votes and doubts that are still unraveling. The League is decisively against, as the party’s head of delegation, Paolo Borchia, said. A contrary opinion, he explains, “Not on the person but on the political project” that they do not like. The 5 Star Movement is along the same line. “‘No’ to von der Leyen’s program,” the head of the 5 Star Movement delegation, Pasquale Tridico, said.

Fratelli d’Italia is also likely to veto Von der Leyen. “The orientation at the moment is negative,” Nicola Procaccini points out. But everything could change: “We will see in the coming days.” The words of the group leader of the Conservatives (ECR) indicate a change of orientation of the party of the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, who on von der Leyen abstained at the last leaders’ summit on so-called ‘top jobs’ – the highest offices of the EU institutions. “We have nothing against von der Leyen, but we have a lot against the political platform of recent years,” adds Procaccini, who widens the rift. Negotiations on Commissioners that are underway and still to be resolved are likely weighing on Meloni’s party representatives. In any case, there is still no support for the Commission President seeking a second term. 

A stalemate that also affects the Italian delegation of the Green Group. Ignazio Marino is neither for nor against, with the line taken on foreign policy weighing on the decision, says the former mayor of Rome. “I don’t see a shared role in seeking a ceasefire in the Middle East and Ukraine,” he explains. There is also not enough commitment to climate change and immigration. Criticism, sure, but not a rejection. Italians in the Greens are taking time to reflect and listen to what von der Leyen, who, before the House vote, will speak to the Plenary gathered in Strasbourg, has to say. She still has to win approval from many of the Italian MEPs.