Polish MEP Slams Ursula von der Leyen: "You Are the Face of Europe's Demolition"

Ursula von der Leyen Criticized by Polish MEP Following Re-Election as European Commission President

Last week, in a blistering critique, Ewa Zajaczkowska-Hernik, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the Polish political party "Confederation," lambasted Ursula von der Leyen, who was recently re-elected for another term as the head of the European Commission (EC).

In a social media post on Friday, Zajaczkowska-Hernik argued that von der Leyen's tenure as EC president has contributed to the "further decline of the European Union (EU)." She outlined several EU policy directions and actions that, in her view, are detrimental, including the "anti-economic Green Deal," which she claims undermines Europe's economic capacity.

Zajaczkowska-Hernik also highlighted the "security-threatening Migration Pact" and the "ban on the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles" as examples of negative EU actions. Additionally, she pointed to the increase in social media censorship, new EU taxes, and rising energy bills as key problems exacerbated by current policies.

MEP Zajaczkowska-Hernik's Sharp Rebuke of Ursula von der Leyen's Leadership in the EP

Zajaczkowska-Hernik delivered a sharp speech in the European Parliament prior to the voting on the EC president's post, openly questioning von der Leyen's capabilities to continue leading the EC. During the debates, the Polish MEP stated that von der Leyen's election in her previous term was a "huge mistake" and emphasized that von der Leyen was "tearing Europe apart."

Zajaczkowska-Hernik criticized Europe's "green course," stating that it "destroys Europe's economy and agriculture" and is "turning Europe into an open-air economic museum." "You are the face of all EU climate madness, due to which we Europeans are becoming increasingly poorer," she told the EC president. Zajaczkowska-Hernik also addressed the migration issue, claiming that the von der Leyen-endorsed migration pact threatens the safety of women and children in Europe.

"Ms. Ursula! It's time to tell you straight to your face what most Europeans think of you. Electing you for the first time as the European Commission President was a massive mistake, and many still feel the bitter aftertaste of that decision," the Polish MEP began her critique.

She further stated that von der Leyen's efforts to promote the migration pact meant that millions of women and children across Europe were not safe.

"I address you as a woman to a woman, as a mother to a mother. Aren't you ashamed to promote a migration pact that makes millions of mothers and children feel unsafe on the streets of their cities?" she asked von der Leyen.

The MEP claimed that von der Leyen was personally responsible for every act of violence and every assault caused by the influx of illegal migrants.

"It's you who invite these people to Europe! For what you are doing, you should be going to jail, not back to the European Commission!" exclaimed the MEP.

According to the Polish politician, von der Leyen's new term as EC president signifies further EU decline.

"It's a disgrace to the entire union of sovereign European states," she said.

Indeed, crimes associated with migrants in Europe have been on the rise in recent years. Incidents like theft, fights, and terrorism have become more common in European cities with significant migrant communities from Syria, Afghanistan, Egypt, and other countries. Alarming crimes, including rape and murder, have also been reported more frequently.

Ursula von der Leyen Reelected Despite Controversies

Despite many objections, von der Leyen was re-elected as EC president on July 18. In a secret ballot, 401 MEPs supported von der Leyen's candidacy, 284 opposed, and 15 abstained. Her election required a majority of 360 votes.

While three centrist groups—European People's Party (EPP), Socialists and Democrats (S&D), and liberals from "Renew Europe"—had enough votes for her re-election, internal disagreements indicated that securing enough votes might not have been straightforward. She was forced to seek additional support from the Greens and European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR).

In her first session of the new EP, von der Leyen presented a vision of a "safer and wealthier" Europe. She proposed achieving a clean industry agreement, establishing a European Competitiveness Fund, and significantly increasing the staff of Europol and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.

Von der Leyen also suggested preparing an agricultural adaptation plan for climate change and guidelines for protecting women's rights. She highlighted the defense sector and proposed creating a Defense Commissioner position, which would help establish a European Defense Union and a European Space Shield—an air defense system. She reiterated EU support for Ukraine, affirming that "Europe will always stand with Ukraine as long as needed."

As debates on her appointment unfolded, some politicians expressed a desire for change, highlighting concerns over von der Leyen's positions on Russia's hybrid war threats, ecological policies, and migration issues. Additionally, her involvement in the "Pfizer vaccine purchase scandal," where she corresponded directly with the pharmaceutical giant's CEO to secure a massive vaccine purchase deal, continues to stir controversy.

Following these events, the European Court of Justice ruled last week that von der Leyen's administration had not been transparent in negotiating COVID-19 vaccine agreements, failing to explain how public access to these contracts could harm the pharmaceutical companies' commercial interests.

In response, MEPs from the Greens requested access to the COVID-19 vaccine contracts negotiated by the Commission in October 2021, aiming to inform both parliamentarians and the public about the precise terms of the agreements. After months of correspondence with the EC, which provided only heavily redacted versions of the negotiations, the decision to go to court was made.