After a week of stalled negotiations and political maneuvering, the European Parliament finally struck a deal on November 20th, giving the green light to all six vice-presidential candidates for the European Commission.
This marks a key step forward for the formation of the second von der Leyen Cabinet, which is now set to be sworn in on December 1st.The talks were a whirlwind of political drama, with threats, bluffs, and tactics that made it hard to follow. Despite all the talk about “values” and “principles,” it came down to good old-fashioned deal-making—swapping “our guy for your guy.” I
n a surprising turn, the Social Democrats (S&D) backed Raffaele Fitto of Italy’s European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) for a top Commission post, despite their initial opposition to placing a conservative—whom they labeled a “neo-fascist”—in such a powerful role.In return, the EPP gave in on the appointment of Spanish socialist Teresa Ribera (S&D) as the Commission’s Executive Vice President for Competitiveness and Climate, widely seen as one of Brussels’ most influential positions.
Despite pushback from Spain’s Partido Popular (PP), Ribera’s approval went through without a hitch, with her role in managing the deadly floods in Valencia raised as a point of contention. However, the PP’s objections seemed more about domestic politics than a real challenge within the European Parliament, especially after Ribera’s testimony in the Spanish parliament.
Ribera was also asked to commit to resigning if put on trial for the flood crisis, a request she rejected. Yet, despite this, the EPP relented, and her confirmation proceeded.
One positive outcome for von der Leyen was Fitto’s approval, which could help mend ties with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and strengthen the EPP’s influence in Parliament. This new alignment with the ECR bloc could prove valuable in light of the Left’s weakened position following recent European elections.
EPP leader Manfred Weber celebrated the outcome, noting that all political groups now have a substantial role in shaping Europe’s future. However, leftist lawmakers weren’t thrilled. Christophe Clergeau, a leader within the S&D, condemned Fitto’s confirmation as legitimizing far-right forces and vowed to vote against the entire Commission proposal.
In addition to Fitto and Ribera, the group leaders also approved Hungary’s Olivér Várhelyi as the new Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare. The Left’s support came with some limitations on his responsibilities, though details remain unclear.
The final vote on the full slate of commissioners will take place next week in Strasbourg. Despite some grumbling from the Left, the confirmation is expected to pass smoothly, allowing von der Leyen’s new administration to take office in December.
This deal is significant as it marks the first time in 25 years that no commissioner candidates were rejected by MEPs, a trend that some see as a step back for parliamentary oversight. With control firmly in the hands of mainstream parties and relatively inexperienced commissioners at her side, von der Leyen’s grip on Brussels has never been stronger.
