Former EU Commissioner Denounces Von der Leyen's Centralized Leadership
Nicolas Schmit, a former EU Commissioner, has criticized Ursula von der Leyen's presidency, arguing that her centralized management style lacks strategic vision and fails to assert European independence from the United States.
Nicolas Schmit, who served as EU Commissioner for Labor and Social Rights until 2024, has strongly criticized Ursula von der Leyen's leadership. He argues that her highly centralized approach concentrates power at the top and marginalizes other commissioners. According to Schmit, the Commission lacks a coherent strategic vision for Europe's role in global affairs.
He also contends that von der Leyen has been reluctant to confront the United States, citing the case of Commissioner Thierry Breton and the Digital Services Act. Schmit was not reappointed as commissioner and has expressed frustration about the EU's governance structure. Despite facing multiple removal attempts, von der Leyen remains the Commission President.
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