Link to main version

465

Popular discontent! 60 percent of Europeans want Ursula von der Leyen to resign

Much of the criticism stems from the EU-US trade deal finalized this summer

Снимка: БГНЕС/ЕРА

A slim majority of EU citizens believe that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen should resign, a survey cited by "Politico" shows.

When asked about Von der Leyen's future, 39 percent said they were "very favorable" to her resignation, 21 percent were "somewhat favorable" and only 8% are "very much opposed".

Much of the criticism stems from the EU-US trade deal finalised this summer.

The deal came after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 30% tariffs on European exports if a deal was not reached. Although the final compromise capped tariffs at 15% - well below Trump's threat but still much higher than the previous average of 1.47% - the result disappointed many Europeans.

According to the survey, 52% of respondents said they felt "humiliated" by the deal, with this feeling particularly strong in France (65%) and Spain (56%).

Three-quarters believe that von der Leyen has failed to protect European interests, while only 19% give her a positive assessment. Another 77% say the trade deal benefits the US economy the most, while 42% believe European companies will be hit hardest.

The Eurobazooka survey was conducted by Cluster17 between late August and early September in five major EU countries - France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Poland - representing more than 60% of the EU population. The poll surveyed around 1,000 people in each country.