Ursula von der Leyen and a reminder of the very real threat of utopian federalism
We were not treated to the spectacle of hustings, debates and interviews involving prospective candidates as we have been with the leadership election at home.
Whilst a leadership election of great consequence for the United Kingdom draws to a close this week, another leadership election of supposed importance for the continent has also been decided.
When watching this exhibition of the European Union’s incredible interpretation of the concept of democracy (a ballot paper with one name on it), could the British people ask for a more appropriate reminder of why just over three years ago, we, collectively as a nation voted to free ourselves from the European Union and disengage with its federalist project?
No, we could not. It is a sobering reminder of the direction of travel of the European Union and it would seem that themomentous political event that was the 2016 European Union Membership Referendum has not provoked those steering the ship in Europe to pause for reflection. On the contrary, it is fullsteam ahead for the federalists as a key proponent of their cause, Ursula von der Leyen, takes the helm.
The new President-elect of the European Commission – who has spoken of her desire to see a ‘United States of Europe’ established on the continent – narrowly won the confidence of MEPs on Tuesday with just 9 votes more than the 374 she needed for an absolute majority and to be confirmed as Jean-Claude Juncker’s successor.
It is well-known that the outgoing German Minister of Defence also favours a European Army, the potential existence of which was derided as a fantasy by many in the remain campaign during the 2016 referendum campaign but now seems an impending reality.
One could be forgiven for having missed this event which would be better described as a coronation (rather than an election) of an Empress (rather than a President) of a growing empire (rather than the political union it calls itself).
We were not treated to the spectacle of hustings, debates and interviews involving prospective candidates as we have been with the leadership election at home. Instead we can listen only to a frighteningly ideological victory speech and hope that come November 1st, it will no longer concern us.
