Merkel’s nominee Ursula von der Leyen to lead EU Commission

Angela Merkel had to refrain from voting regarding the nomination of the German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen, as President of the European Commission, the reason being the disagreements inside of the coalition, on this subject, according to the agency The Associated Press.

After the EPP failed to propose Manfred Weber, Chancellor Merkel’s intervention led to the nomination of Ursula von der Leyen for the European Commission’s presidency after three days of negotiations. The German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen appeared as a surprising candidate after the failure of other EU leaders to get Frans Timmermans as the Socialist candidate to the head of the European Commission. “I am glad to see Ursula von der Leyen enjoys great confidence among European leaders. It is a good sign that she could become the first female president of the European Commission,” said Angela Merkel.

Photo source: The New York Times