Opinion: Candidacy Von der Leyen is a positive contribution to European democracy

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. How significant this contribution is depends on whether journalists, political opponents, and voters pick up the gauntlet, says Pieter de Wilde, Professor of European Politics and Society at the Faculty of Arts of the University of Groningen.

Elections not only express voters' ideological preferences but also provide an opportunity to send current power holders packing or to grant them another term. This is an established principle at a national level. It is desirable that this dimension of elections is also possible in Europe, as national elections shape the frame of reference for most EU citizens about the meaning of democracy. With the possibility to send the key leader home through these elections, the European Union will thus become more democratic in the eyes of its citizens.

Throughout her term, Von der Leyen has clearly outlined her leadership on key political themes. For example, she has profiled herself on the issue of migration, sending a clear signal about preserving the Judeo-Christian tradition in Europe by first proposing a Commissioner for "upholding the European way of life" and later striking a deal with Tunisia to counter migration from there to Europe. She embodies her commitment to gender equality as the first female leader of the EU and by insisting on appointing an equal number of female and male Commissioners in her Commission. She also gained recognition for her outspoken support for Ukraine since the Russian invasion in 2022. However, her support for Israel after Hamas' bloody attack, where she refrained from calling on Israel to respect the laws of war, has caused significant damage to her own reputation, the European Commission, and the European Union.

Although Dutch voters cannot directly vote for Von der Leyen, they indirectly influence her candidacy by voting for political parties that support her. The support of the European People's Party (EPP) for Von der Leyen means that a vote for a party affiliated with the EPP - likely the CDA, the BBB, 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 over the past five years and to weigh them in their decision at the voting booth.

In addition to enriching European democracy by offering voters a choice, Von der Leyen's stature also contributes to the visibility and importance of the elections. As one of the most prominent EU politicians, her participation may put the elections at the forefront of many European voters’ minds. Furthermore, her candidacy challenges other political groups to come up with candidates of similar calibre, which would further strengthen democracy in Europe. Unfortunately, the Socialists & Democrats have already failed by choosing an unknown grey mouse, Luxembourg's Nicolas Schmit - Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs. For the Greens, Terry Reintke and Bas Eickhout are candidates. They have built up a strong track record within the European Parliament, but will likely not ignite the electoral fire in many EU citizens. The question remains open for the radical-right coalitions of the European Conservatives and Identity and Democracy, to which parties like JA21, FvD, SGP, and PVV are affiliated in the Netherlands, and the liberals, to which both VVD and D66 belong in the Netherlands.

Von der Leyen's candidacy is thus a positive contribution to democracy in Europe. The ball is

now in the court of journalists, other political parties, and voters. Journalists, clarify what is at stake in the upcoming elections. Political opponents, come up with good alternative candidates. Voter, make a well-considered choice in the voting booth in June. It is above all this triple challenge that makes Von der Leyen's candidacy a positive contribution to democracy in Europe.

This article was published on 6 March 2024, in Dagblad van het Noorden