Von der Leyen's Second Term Bid in Trouble Over Ties to Meloni
European Commission President's Relationship with Italian Prime Minister Raises Concerns
Ursula von der Leyen's bid for a second term as President of the European Commission has hit a roadblock due to her close relationship with Giorgia Meloni, the far-right Prime Minister of Italy. The Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group in the European Parliament has warned Von der Leyen that they will not support her re-election if she continues to align herself with Meloni.
Von der Leyen-Meloni Ties
Von der Leyen and Meloni have forged a close friendship in recent months, meeting on several occasions and praising each other's leadership. However, Meloni's controversial policies, including her opposition to LGBTQ+ rights and her support for conservative values, have raised concerns among many MEPs.
Concerns from Socialists
The S&D group, which represents over 140 MEPs, has expressed its discomfort with Von der Leyen's ties to Meloni. In a letter to Von der Leyen, they stated that they "find it difficult to support a candidate for the Presidency of the European Commission who has chosen to side with far-right populism and nationalism."
Second Term Prospects
Von der Leyen's relationship with Meloni has put her second term bid in jeopardy. The S&D group is a key voting bloc in the European Parliament, and its opposition could make it difficult for Von der Leyen to secure a majority. The vote on Von der Leyen's re-election is expected to take place in June 2024.
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