(ANSA-AFP) - BUCHAREST, MAR 7 - The conservative European
People's Party (EPP) is expected on Thursday to formally back
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen's bid for a
second term. Some 1,500 representatives of the biggest force in
the European Union parliament -- including lawmakers, party
leaders and 12 heads of state and government -- are due to
endorse the candidacy of the 65-year-old German at a party
congress in Bucharest. Having navigated multiple crises at the
helm of the European Commission ranging from Covid to the
Ukraine war, the former defence minister is seeking to be
reappointed for a new term until 2029. During the conference's
opening day Wednesday, EPP leader Manfred Weber hailed von der
Leyen as a "solid leader", who could count on the support of a
vast majority of members, adding that Europe would be "in good
hands" with her at the helm. Von der Leyen is expected to
address the party congress in the Romanian capital before a
secret ballot. The result is expected to be announced at around
12:30 pm (1030 GMT). (ANSA-AFP).
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