The vast majority of members of the European Parliament who voted on two proposals on Thursday – one submitted by the left and the other by the far-right faction Patriots for Europe – supported the center-right president of the European Commission. Few people expected she would lose Thursday's vote, however the scale of the victory proves that its position has strengthened.
In the case of the far-right proposal, 179 votes were in favor, 378 against and 37 abstained. In the case of the left-wing motion, 133 votes were in favor, 383 against and 78 abstained. This result indicates that von der Leyen's centrist opponents—those who initially supported her presidency— they backed her again when it came to the decisive showdown.
If she lost either vote, von der Leyen and the rest of the Commission would have to resign, plunging the EU into chaos at a critical moment for Europe.
The Alliance is currently facing one of the most uncertain periods in its history. Populist, Eurosceptic politicians are taking power or are on the verge of taking power in several member states, while Russia continues its war in Ukraine and threatens Europe's eastern borders.
“I really appreciate the strong support I received today,” von der Leyen wrote on X a few minutes after the vote.
A defeat for the opponents of the head of the European Commission
It was a disastrous result for von der Leyen's opponents' camp. The far-right's no-confidence motion garnered just four more votes than a similar initiative in July.
The left's proposal was even worse than the far right's. Before the vote, a representative of a left-wing group told POLITICO that reaching 200 votes would be a good result.
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The Socialists maintained their support for von der Leyen, which is seen as a sign of continued confidence in her leadership.
This result could mean the end of a short-lived era repeated motions of no confidence. The majority that reappointed von der Leyen in July 2024 backed her for the third time in a row, making future attempts only symbolic.
Although Spanish far-right MEP Jorge Buxade told POLITICO that “there are so many reasons” to table no-confidence motions against von der Leyen “that we could table them every two months,” he said his group Patriots for Europe had already proven its case.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, 8 October 2025.EPA/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON / PAP
Left spokesman Thomas Shannon admitted last week that the group would not be making any further proposals in the near future. — The idea was to express our opinion in such a no-confidence motion, but we have no intention of submitting another one, Jaume Asens, one of the Green MEPs who signed the motion against von der Leyen, told POLITICO.
Promises in exchange for support
Socialists and liberals are now waiting to see whether the demands they have made in exchange for support will bear fruit.
— President of the Commission he must now deliver on his promises — said the famous German social democrat Rene Repasi in Strasbourg in an interview with POLITICO. — If we don't see this, there may be an S&D proposal in the future [Postępowy Sojusz Socjalistów i Demokratów].
Asked when that moment might come, the MEP replied: — I would say that if in six months we see that none of the promises regarding S&D priorities have been fulfilled, this might be the moment when critical voices emerge again.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
