19:51 27 June 2025
PiS Pushes for Dismissal of von der Leyen. 74 MEPs Support Motion
Law and Justice (PiS), now in opposition in Poland, has backed a motion of no confidence against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The initiative, submitted by Romanian MEP Cristian Terheș (AUR), has gathered support from 74 MEPs, enough to trigger a formal debate and vote in the European Parliament, expected in early July.
The motion accuses von der Leyen of a lack of transparency, particularly in connection with the so-called "Pfizergate" – the controversy over undisclosed text messages exchanged with Pfizer's CEO during COVID-19 vaccine negotiations. Supporters claim she has "seriously infringed EU law" and is "unfit to lead the Commission."
Although the motion is unlikely to pass – requiring a two-thirds majority – it is politically significant. It comes just weeks after the European elections and amid tense coalition talks. A failed vote could still weaken von der Leyen’s position ahead of her potential reappointment for a second term.
(EURACTIV)
