As she begins her second term as president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen is working to increase the number of women in the organisation that serves as the EU’s executive branch. She claims that women made up 22% of the workforce when she assumed her position. She is currently pushing for a 40% share.
However, the task has not been simple. During her second term, she requested recommendations for a man and a woman from each of the 27 member nations. However, it appears that men continue to make up the majority. However, things are now better.
Roberta Metsola, a Maltese national, is the President of the European Parliament. Von der Leyen is a German politician of conservative views. She chose four female vice presidents from the commission, including Estonia’s Kajas Kallas, who also serves as head of foreign policy. She then chose Spanish Socialist Teresa Ribera to head the competition and spearhead the green transition. Henna Virkkunen of Finland, who will lead digital and rule of law, and Roxana Minzatu of Romania, who will lead social affairs, are the other two female vice presidents.
Beyond the appointment of women to leadership positions, there was conflict and controversy. She forced out her critic, another Frenchman named Thierry Bretton, who had resigned and objected, and appointed France’s Stephane Sejourne as vice president.
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