European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen survived two no-confidence motions in the European Parliament on October 9, 2025, with centrist lawmakers firmly backing her leadership. The votes rejected far-right and far-left attempts to remove her from office, though support levels revealed ongoing tensions within the 720-member legislature.
Strong Centrist Support Blocks Removal
The first motion, introduced by the far-right Patriots for Europe group, was defeated with 378 votes against and 179 in favor. The second motion from The Left group failed with 383 votes against and 133 in favor. [1][2] Both required a two-thirds majority of 361 votes to succeed, which neither came close to reaching. [3][4]
Coalition Holds Despite Fragmentation
The European People’s Party, Socialists and Democrats, and Renew Europe groups united to protect von der Leyen despite internal disagreements on policy matters. [5] The Greens also voted to support her, with co-chair Bas Eickhout stating that removing the Commission during current global challenges would not be smart. [6]
Opposition Targets Trade and Crisis Response
Patriots for Europe leader Jordan Bardella criticized von der Leyen for trade agreements with the United States and Mercosur bloc, arguing they harm European farmers and exporters. [7][8] The Left co-chair Manon Aubry condemned the Commission for inaction on Israel’s actions in Gaza and insufficient climate policy. [9][10]
Both opposition groups attacked what they called a lack of transparency in recent trade negotiations and alleged failures to address migration and social crises effectively. [11]
Vote Results Show Improved Standing
The October 9 results marked an improvement from von der Leyen’s previous no-confidence vote in July 2025, when 360 lawmakers supported her. [12] However, support remained below the 401 votes she secured for her second term in July 2024. [13]
The European Parliament voting breakdown revealed the following outcomes:
- First motion received 378 votes against, 179 for, and 37 abstentions
- Second motion received 383 votes against, 133 for, and 78 abstentions
- Total participation reached 594 members out of 720 available
- The two-thirds threshold required 361 votes to pass
- Far-right representation exceeds 100 members in current Parliament
Continued Parliamentary Challenges Expected
Following the votes, von der Leyen expressed gratitude for the support and stated the Commission would continue working closely with Parliament to tackle European challenges. [14] The Left group criticized the outcome, claiming it fails to reflect public sentiment and the Commission’s unpopularity across member states. [15] Upcoming votes on the United States and Mercosur trade agreements in coming months will test whether her parliamentary coalition remains intact. [16]
