Ursula von der Leyen’s decision to run for a second term as President of the European Commission is a positive contribution to democracy in Europe, says Pieter de Wilde. According to him, the size of that contribution depends on whether journalists, political opponents and voters pick up the gauntlet she has thrown at them.
Elections are not only an expression of voters’ ideological preferences, but also an opportunity to send incumbents home or to grant them a new term. This is an established principle at national level.
It is desirable that this dimension of elections is also possible in Europe, as national elections are the frame of reference for most EU citizens on the meaning of democracy. With the possibility of sending the most important ruler home through these elections, the European Union will become more democratic in the eyes of its citizens.
Preserve Judeo-Christian tradition
During her term, Von der Leyen has made clear what her leadership entails on important political themes. For example, she has profiled herself in the field of migration, sending a clear signal about the preservation of the Judeo-Christian tradition in Europe by first proposing a Commissioner for ‘preservation of the European way of life’ and later a to make a deal with Tunisia to prevent migration from there to Europe.
She embodies her commitment to gender equality herself, as the first female leader of the EU, but also because she insisted on including as many female as male Commissioners in her Commission.
She further gained fame with her outspoken support for Ukraine since the Russian invasion in 2022. However, her support for Israel after the bloody attack by Hamas, in which she failed to call on Israel to respect the laws of war, has damaged herself, the European Commission and the European Union significant reputational damage.
Indirect influence
Although Dutch voters cannot vote for Von der Leyen directly, they have indirect influence through political parties that support her candidacy. The European People’s Party (EPP)’s support for Von der Leyen means that a vote for a party affiliated with the EPP – the CDA, the BBB probably, and perhaps the NSC – is indirectly a vote for her.
It is therefore important that Dutch journalists and politicians make voters aware of this choice and its possible implications. Von der Leyen offers European voters the opportunity to evaluate her policies of the past five years and to take this into account in their decision at the voting booth.
In addition to the fact that Von der Leyen’s candidacy enriches European democracy by offering voters a choice, her stature also contributes to the fame and importance of the elections. As one of the best-known EU politicians, her participation could bring the elections closer for many European voters.
Similar caliber
Moreover, her candidacy challenges other political groups to come up with candidates of similar caliber, which would further strengthen democracy in Europe.
Unfortunately, the Social Democrats have already failed by choosing an unknown gray mouse, Luxembourg’s Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs. Terry Reintke and Bas Eickhout are candidates for the Greens. They have built up a strong track record within the European Parliament, but will stoke the electoral fires of few EU citizens.
Remains open are the radical right coalitions of the European conservatives and Identity and Democracy, to which parties such as JA21, FvD, SGP and PVV are affiliated on behalf of the Netherlands, and the liberals, to which both VVD and D66 belong on behalf of the Netherlands.
Positive contribution to democracy
Von der Leyen’s candidacy is therefore a positive contribution to democracy in Europe. The ball is now in the court of journalists, other political parties and voters. Journalists, make it clear what is at stake in the coming elections. Political opponents, come up with good alternative candidates. Voter, make an informed choice at the voting booth in June.
Above all, it is this triple challenge that makes Von der Leyen’s candidacy a positive contribution to democracy in Europe.
Pieter de Wilde is professor of European politics and society at the Faculty of Arts of the University of Groningen