Two former heroines of a July 18 session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg were Ursula von der Leyen, re-elected as President of the European Commission, and Elżbieta Zajaczkowska-Hernik, who charged in her speech that the former authority was not ruling from Brussels but imprisoned, proclaiming herself the queen of the European right.
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The reinstallation of Ursula von der Leyen as ruler of the Union came as a surprise. Not the essence of the vote, but that she received more votes than five years ago. Then it stood at nine; now it reached 401, well past the required majority. Her address was seen as dull and insincere, and some expect little impact from it. The German leader affirmed a path for Europe that includes the Green Deal and other initiatives he warned against, predicting crises that they claim the plan would worsen.
There is little point dwelling on past promises or lies. Europeans face a weaker economy, growing social challenges, waves of migration, rising energy costs, and shifts in global manufacturing as some production moves outward. Some argue that Europe’s decarbonization and industrial strategies are under heavy scrutiny while critics press for alternative approaches.
It is notable that more seats and titles will be filled and new commissioners appointed, including roles for housing and the Mediterranean. There is widespread curiosity about future commissioners who might focus on housing, the Baltic, and the North Sea, with discussions about portfolio allocations continuing.
Much shorter but arguably more compelling was the speech by Elżbieta Zajaczkowska-Hernik, a member of the Confederation, whose remarks drew far more applause and attention than von der Leyen’s speech. European media gave it substantial coverage, reflecting broad interest in the moment.
The Polish MEP was labeled by some as the “queen of the European right,” and her speech, marked by energy, passion, and directness, drew comparisons to some of the strongest moments delivered by other European leaders in recent years, though not everyone welcomed the tone she struck.
Mrs Urszula — the moment to reflect what the majority of Europeans think about these developments has arrived.
— the Polish MP addressed the German leader boldly and directly, a move some see as worthy of recognition. The call was to address European officials with clear names and faces rather than speaking in abstractions about democracy, the rule of law, or principles. The sentiment was that responsible figures should be named and held to account for decisions impacting Europe, including those labeled as harming European citizens and communities.
You are identified with the Green Deal, which critics argue reshapes Europe into an open-air museum of policy experiments. Critics also view you as a symbol of the climate agenda and immigration policy, questioning the safety and well-being of residents in public spaces as policies evolve.
These remarks were met with growing applause from supporters and silenced questions from others.
Critics assert that backing certain policies could accelerate a broader deterioration in the Union. The discussion centered on whether leadership in the Commission would contribute to unity or further fragmentation, with concerns about the broader economic and social consequences of proposed reforms.
The Polish MP asserted that the Green Deal and the immigration pact had become central to the political debate, arguing that the policies require closer scrutiny and accountability. The room’s energy rose as opponents and supporters clashed over the future direction of European governance and security concerns in major cities.
Repeated calls urged leaders to rethink strategy, emphasizing that policy choices must serve the public interest, protect citizens, and respect national perspectives within the EU framework. The dialogue reflected a wider sense of frustration and urgency about how Europe should navigate threats, opportunities, and the reputation of its institutions on the world stage.
The exchange continued with sharp rhetoric about the statesmanship shown in confronting perceived missteps, balanced by calls for a more constructive, results-oriented approach to European policy. The debate touched on the balance between national sovereignty and supranational governance, and how best to preserve stability while pursuing reform allied with democratic principles.
The conversation remained highly charged, with a mix of praise and condemnation, and a broad sense that the moment demanded accountability, clarity, and practical policy measures that can withstand the scrutiny of citizens across Europe.
In the end, observers noted the emotional intensity and the willingness of participants to challenge established narratives. The episode underscored the enduring relevance of leadership, policy direction, and the ethical responsibilities tied to governing a union of diverse nations and communities.