Ursula Von der Leyen - Présidente de la Commission européenne | ARTE

Summary

The video explores the influential political career of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Known as 'Madame Europe,' she has held significant roles within the EU, including Minister of Defense in Germany before her current position. Despite controversies, such as the 'Pfizergate' scandal, her leadership is seen as effective in responding to crises like COVID-19 and the Ukraine war. The video highlights her challenges ahead, particularly with the EU's Green Deal and immigration policies, and examines her stance on extreme-right politics, notably regarding potential cooperation with figures like Giorgia Meloni.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ursula von der Leyen is a highly influential figure in the European Union, serving as President of the European Commission and often referred to as 'Madame Europe.'
• 😀 She grew up in a European bubble, attending the European School in Brussels, where her father worked as a high-ranking official, and is fluent in both French and German.
• 😀 Before entering politics, von der Leyen studied medicine and quickly rose through the ranks to become Germany's Minister of Family Affairs, then Minister of Defense.
• 😀 Ursula von der Leyen has been known for her decisive and sometimes controversial political actions, such as implementing a parental leave policy and expanding childcare places in Germany.
• 😀 Her popularity declined after becoming Germany's Minister of Defense due to several controversies, particularly financial management issues.
• 😀 In 2019, von der Leyen unexpectedly became the President of the European Commission after the European Council rejected the original candidate, Manfred Weber, and chose her instead.
• 😀 Von der Leyen's first term as President of the European Commission has been marked by significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, though her handling of these crises has been seen as largely effective.
• 😀 Some of her internal critics have accused her of acting unilaterally, without sufficient consultation with other commissioners, which led to controversies like the 'Pfizergate' affair involving vaccine contracts during the pandemic.
• 😀 Ursula von der Leyen is facing another challenging mandate with new political dynamics in the EU, particularly in managing the Green Deal, which aims for climate neutrality by 2050.
• 😀 Her upcoming term will involve critical decisions on issues like phasing out combustion engine cars by 2035 and managing EU immigration policies, with particular scrutiny on her position regarding extreme right-wing groups.