Overview

• French MEPs Jordan Bardella and Manon Aubry lodged separate censure motions from the far right and hard left, with votes set for Thursday in Strasbourg.
• Ursula von der Leyen defended her record in the chamber and warned that Russia is working to inflame divisions, urging lawmakers to reject what she called a trap.
• The bids are seen as long shots to reach the two‑thirds threshold required to oust the Commission, yet they underscore how just 72 signatures make censure moves easy to trigger.
• Critics target her handling of trade with the United States, the proposed Mercosur pact, policy on Gaza, migration, green rollbacks and transparency, reflecting grievances across the spectrum.
• Centrist groups in the EPP, S&D and Renew signal support to keep her in office, but warn their backing is conditional as repeated challenges risk legislative gridlock.