Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, faces increasing criticism and opposition within the European Union. A motion against her presidency has been promoted by a group that includes Italy's Fratelli d'Italia (FdI), reflecting tensions with anti-European and populist factions. Central to von der Leyen's administration is Bjoern Seibert, her chief of staff, who is described as a highly influential figure in Brussels, wielding more power than his predecessor Martin Selmayr. While some praise Seibert for his effectiveness in navigating EU bureaucracy, critics argue that he holds excessive control over the Commission's workings. The political landscape in Italy shows populist parties feigning disputes but ultimately uniting in opposition to liberal European policies.