Leyen wins second term

By AFP
July 19, 2024
Ursula von der Leyen reacts after being chosen the President of the European Commission for a second term, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, July 18, 2024. — Reuters
Ursula von der Leyen reacts after being chosen the President of the European Commission for a second term, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, July 18, 2024. — Reuters

STRASBOURG, France: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday won a second five-year term that she vowed would tackle the EU’s challenges head-on, including bolstering its defence capability and strengthening Europe’s industry.

The German ex-defence minister, who became the first woman leader of the European Commission in 2019, had presented herself as the best and most experienced captain to steer the commission.

Von der Leyen received votes backing her from 401 MEPs in the 720-seat chamber in the French city of Strasbourg -- over the 361-vote majority she needed to remain head of the EU’s executive body. There were 284 lawmakers who voted against in the secret ballot.