Overview

• Sources say the Socialists & Democrats group is considering abstention after a private meeting to signal dissatisfaction with von der Leyen’s leadership
• The European People’s Party, Renew Europe and Greens have pledged to vote against the motion, ensuring it falls short of the two-thirds majority required for censure
• A coalition of right-wing and eurosceptic parties—including Lega, Movimento 5 Stelle, Patrioti per l’Europa and AfD—has united to support the motion over “Pfizergate” transparency concerns
• Italian parties are split: Lega and M5S will back the motion, Forza Italia will oppose it and Fratelli d’Italia remains divided despite Vice-President Raffaele Fitto’s informal opposition
• The challenge underscores growing tensions over von der Leyen’s shifting alliances and the EU’s transparency in Covid-19 vaccine negotiations