(MENAFN) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has accused critics of aligning with Russian interests as she urged lawmakers not to back efforts to remove her from office.

Facing challenges from both left- and right-wing factions in the European Parliament this week, von der Leyen reiterated her defense from a July censure vote, asserting that her detractors are acting on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In her remarks on Monday, she said Putin had recently “crowed about what he coined as the cracks of the edifice of Europe” and that he was “not hiding his glee and support for all of his obedient friends in Europe who are doing his work for him.”

“This is the oldest trick in the book: sow division, spread disinformation, create a scapegoat, all to turn Europeans against each other,” von der Leyen added.

Last week, speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club, Putin expressed regret over missed opportunities for EU-Russia cooperation, lamenting that the EU’s abandonment of traditional values and erosion of national identities undermined potential partnership. He cited growing nationalist movements across Europe as evidence of this perceived identity crisis, recalling a 1990s conversation with then-German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, who had described Russia and the EU as natural partners.

While analysts predict von der Leyen is likely to survive the upcoming confidence votes scheduled for Thursday, October 9, the challenges highlight mounting dissatisfaction within the European Parliament. An EU Commission official noted that there is “clear frustration in Parliament toward this Commission” and suggested it would be “great if they raised the threshold” for future no-confidence votes.

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