Politics
Ursula von der Leyen Nominated as EPP Lead Candidate for European Commission Presidency
In a decisive move within the European People’s Party (EPP), the submission period for lead candidate nominations for the Presidency of the European Commission closed today at 12 pm CET. EPP President Manfred Weber received a singular nomination letter from Christlich Demokratische Union (CDU, Germany), putting forth Ursula von der Leyen as the lead candidate. This nomination was further bolstered by endorsements from two EPP member parties, Platforma Obywatelska (PO, Poland), and Nea Demokratia (ND, Greece), solidifying von der Leyen’s candidacy.
The upcoming steps in the selection process, as outlined in the “Procedure and Timetable for Candidacies,” entail a review of the nomination at the EPP Political Assembly scheduled for 5 March 2024. Following validation, the candidacy will proceed to a crucial vote at the Party Congress in Bucharest on 7 March 2024. With no other candidates put forward, all eyes are on the EPP’s internal proceedings as they pave the way for the selection of their lead candidate for the prestigious role of European Commission Presidency. The nomination of Ursula von der Leyen sets the stage for a significant moment in European politics, marking a pivotal juncture in the path towards determining the future leadership of the European Commission.
The process of selecting lead candidates for the European Commission Presidency, also known as the Spitzenkandidaten process, gained prominence in the 2014 European Parliament elections. This innovative approach aimed to enhance the democratic legitimacy of the European Union by linking the election results directly to the appointment of the Commission President. The lead candidate of the political group that secures the most seats in the European Parliament is traditionally nominated for the Commission Presidency, subject to approval by the European Council.
While the Spitzenkandidaten process has faced challenges and debates over its legitimacy and implementation, it remains a significant mechanism for engaging European citizens in the selection of the Commission President. The nomination of Ursula von der Leyen as the EPP lead candidate underscores the continued relevance and evolution of this process in shaping the future leadership of the European Union. As the EPP progresses through its internal review and voting procedures, the outcome will not only determine the party’s candidate but also influence the broader political landscape of the European Commission.
Politics
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Politics
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew congratulated Donald Trump
On November 7, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent a congratulatory letter to the newly elected US President Donald Trump, wishing him health, strength and success in his upcoming second presidential term.
“Recognizing the enormous responsibilities of such a leadership position, we pray that your decisions will be guided by wisdom and compassion, as well as by the strength necessary to maintain harmony and security in your great and God-protected nation,” noted Patr. Bartholomew:
“The Ecumenical Patriarchate, with its ancient history and its fundamental commitment to dialogue and reconciliation, remains a constant supporter of all efforts to promote peace and understanding between people of different cultures and beliefs. We hope that under your leadership the United States will continue to support the cause of religious freedom and human dignity – values that resonate deeply in the Orthodox Christian tradition and all faith communities,” the congratulatory letter said.
Politics
The US excludes the last major Russian state bank from SWIFT
The last of Russia’s major state-owned banks, which retains access to the SWIFT system for international payments in the world’s major currencies, will become subject to new US sanctions.
The White House is considering blacklisting Gazprombank, the Russian Federation’s third-largest bank by assets, which is a “hub” for gas payments with Europe. As the Nikkei reported, citing officials familiar with the matter, GPB could be subject to blocking sanctions: it would be barred from any transactions with US banks. A decision on sanctions will be made by the end of November – the United States has notified its G7 partners about this, sources told the publication, including high-ranking European officials.
Directly owned by Gazprom with a third and another 40% by its pension fund, Gazprombank is not yet subject to strict Western restrictions: in the United States it is only prohibited from raising capital on the debt market, although its top managers and a subsidiary are subject to blocking sanctions IT company. In the European Union, GPB also avoids blacklists, and only Britain has introduced blockers against the bank.
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