Chancellor is obligated to "recommend Ursula von der Leyen once more" as per Merz.
Friedrich Merz, the head of the CDU party, has urged Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a member of the SPD, to endorse EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for a second term. Merz requested the German government, consisting of the SPD, FDP, and Greens, to acknowledge that the Union emerged victorious in the European elections. He believes that this means the Chancellor is obligated to "recommend Ursula von der Leyen once more" as a member and president of the EU Commission. Many other prominent members of the CDU agree with Merz's stance.
The SPD has laid out certain requirements for the upcoming EU Commission. These demands have essentially made support for von der Leyen's potential second term contingent on certain conditions being met. One such condition is avoiding collaboration with any political entities viewed as adversaries of democracy and the rule of law. Von der Leyen has openly considered working alongside the right-wing ECR faction, which includes Italy's Fratelli d'Italia party led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Delivering a speech at the CDU headquarters in Berlin on Sunday night, Merz expressed his gratitude to the Union for their successful election result. Von der Leyen, who connected to the event via video conference, praised the Union for their performance, stating, "We are thrilled with what you have presented... strongest force, stable, especially in difficult times. Heartfelt congratulations to Berlin." She also acknowledged the remarkable job done by the Union.
In response to Merz's offer, Merz stated that teaming up with the federal government on major domestic and economic issues would necessitate a significant shift in the Ampel government's current direction. This collaboration would also potentially lead to a decrease in the influence and influence of extremist parties such as AfD and BSW in Germany.
