European parliament to debate two no-confidence motions against comission chief

The European Parliament will debate and vote on two no-confidence motions against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during its plenary session from October 6-9, an internal email from Parliament President Roberta Metsola shows, seen by POLITICO.

The far-right Patriots for Europe and The Left political groups filed the motions shortly after midnight on September 10, the earliest time allowed under parliamentary rules. Officials noted that the Patriots submitted their motion just 20 seconds before The Left, Caliber.Az writes, citing the POLITICO piece. 

The filings came hours after von der Leyen delivered her landmark State of the Union address in Strasbourg and only two months after a previous confidence vote in her leadership, highlighting the EU’s ongoing political divisions.

The Patriots accuse von der Leyen of lacking transparency and accountability, criticising both the Mercosur and US rade agreements. The Left also criticise the Commission’s trade policies but focus more on what they see as inaction by the EU executive amid Israel’s war in Gaza.

Having two motions of censure filed simultaneously is unprecedented and has prompted discussions in the Parliament about how to schedule the debates and votes. Parliament spokesperson Delphine Colard said the timing will be decided by the political group leaders when they finalise the plenary agenda on October 1.

Sources familiar with parliamentary procedure say the most likely scenario is a joint debate on October 6, followed by separate votes on October 9. The Patriots are expected to claim the first vote, having filed their motion slightly ahead of The Left.

By Sabina Mammadli