Ursula von der Leyen faces crucial vote for second term as EU Commission President

Ursula von der Leyen, the incumbent President of the EU Commission, is facing a crucial vote in the European Parliament for her second term. She needs 361 votes for re-election and has been reaching out to various political groups to secure support.

While major groups have backed her, there is expected to be some dissent. The Greens, in particular, will play a key role in deciding her fate based on her program, which is expected to focus on boosting EU competitiveness, continuing the Green Deal, and addressing Ukraine's EU accession and the hybrid threat from Russia.

The outcome is still uncertain, but a rejection would lead to a leadership vacuum and uncertainty for the European Union. Von der Leyen's coalition has been carefully crafted, but defections are a possibility.

She will present her political program in a speech before the vote, addressing compromises on contentious issues such as the combustion engine ban and funding for Gaza and Palestine. The vote will determine the future leadership of the EU Commission and its direction in the coming years.