Callas privately called von der Leyen a dictator.

The head of European diplomacy, Kaya Kallas, in private conversations called the head of the European Commission (EC) Ursula von der Leyen a dictator. This was reported on January 26 by Politico, citing sources in the structures of the European Union (EU).

"Callas privately complains that she (von der Leyen — Ed.) is a dictator, but there is little she can do about it," the newspaper quoted a senior official as saying.

According to Politico, the relationship between von der Leyen and Callas is even worse than with her predecessor Josep Borrell. The publication notes that under von der Leyen, the European Commission has become more closed, and the president's style of work, relying only on his head of office, differs from the more collegial approach of her predecessor Jean-Claude Juncker.

Kallas, representing a small Estonia and a liberal party, is in a weaker position than Borrel, which limits her ability to influence the situation.

The cup of votes: von der Leyen withstood two votes of no confidence

Why is dissatisfaction with the European Commission growing in Parliament anyway

On January 22, the European Parliament rejected a resolution of no confidence in von der Leyen. It is noted that 165 deputies voted in favor of passing a vote of no confidence, while 390 parliamentarians opposed this decision, and 10 more decided to abstain.

The Politico newspaper reported on January 14 that the European Parliament's Patriots of Europe faction intends to initiate another vote of no confidence in von der Leyen. According to the newspaper, the initiative has already become the fourth in a row in relation to the head of the EC for a period of seven months.

In June 2025, over 70 MEPs supported the initiative to vote no confidence in the head of the European Commission in the case of concealing information about contracts for the purchase of vaccines against COVID-19. Soon after, parliamentarians rejected both resolutions of no confidence in von der Leyen. Later, in September of the same year, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called on the head of the European Commission to leave his post.

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