Choosing Ursula von der Leyen Weakens the European Parliament
BLOOMBERG - Alberto Alemanno - 3/07/19Parliament 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.