Divide and Rule: Coalition MEP Criticizes Von der Leyen’s Leadership While Others Praise His Handling of Crises

MEP Petri Sarvamaa of the coalition has criticized the European Union’s past five years under the current Commission’s leadership, stating that it has not strengthened the internal market or competitiveness. In an interview, he expressed his disappointment with the handling of the Green Deal, stating that it has dominated EU actions too heavily, leading to a loss of balance in policy areas. However, he believes there will be a shift towards a more balanced approach under von der Leyen’s leadership, as reports have been commissioned on the internal market, competitiveness and preparedness.

Von der Leyen is set to become the next Commission President after the summer European elections and is a German member of the center-right EPP party. Sarvamaa believes that von der Leyen lacks experience and allowed others to seize power within the Commission, particularly in areas such as climate and the European green transition program Green Deal. In contrast, MEP Henna Virkkunen disagrees with Sarvamaa and praises von der Leyen’s handling of crises over the past five years, such as the corona pandemic and war in Ukraine.

Overall, there seems to be a difference of opinion within the coalition regarding von der Leyen’s effectiveness and direction as Commission President under her leadership.