Tough credibility test ahead for Ursula von der Leyen, first woman elected European Commission president

Outgoing German Defence Minister and newly elected European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the beginning of the weekly meeting of the German federal Cabinet in Berlin on July 17, 2019. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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LONDON - Leaders in Europe can afford to breathe easy after their choice to lead the European Union's executive body, Dr Ursula von der Leyen, secured the top EU job, thereby avoiding the danger of a major political stalemate.

The former German defence minister will become European Commission president after narrowly winning the confirmation of the European Parliament on Tuesday (July 16).

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