Ursula von der Leyen is the new President of the European Commission

(Patria) – Members of the European Parliament have supported candidate Ursula von der Leyen in the race for the position of President of the European Commission.

The German Minister of Defence is the first woman in the position of President of the European Commission.

Out of 733 votes, von der Leyen won 383, only 9 more than the minimum, and significantly fewer than her predecessor Jean-Claude Juncker, who once received 420 votes of support.

After declaring victory, von der Leyen addressed the members of parliament: 'The trust you have placed in me is trust you place in Europe.'

She added that her work begins immediately and called on everyone to work 'together and constructively'.

During the election campaign, Ursula von der Leyen shared her views on several issues of crucial importance for European policy.

Regarding Brexit, she said she regrets the outcome of the referendum but respects it, and that she is open to the possibility of extending the deadline for Britain's exit from the EU, which is currently October 31.

When it comes to the environment, she promised a 'green deal' for the EU within the first 100 days in office, and emphasized that she wants Europe to become the first carbon-neutral continent by 2050.

She promised to advocate for a development-oriented fiscal policy, as well as the taxation of large technology companies.

Ursula von der Leyen emphasized during the election campaign that she could become the first female leader of the European Commission, and promised gender equality for her staff, writes the portal Euronews.