Choosing Ursula von der Leyen Weakens the European Parliament
BLOOMBERG – Parliament has been building its authority lately. Accepting the Council’s decision for Commission President reverses that.
Parliament has been building its authority lately. Accepting the Council’s decision for Commission President reverses that.
After a painful backroom process lasting more than five weeks, European Union leaders reached a surprising deal to fill the bloc’s top jobs. It was, in essence, a slap in the face of the European Parliament, and that of the 51% of the European electorate who took the time to vote in May’s elections.
The most unexpected name in the roster is that of German Minister of Defense and long-standing ally of Angela Merkel, Ursula von der Leyen. As her nomination awaits the backing of the European Parliament, she already faces resistance – and for good reason.