Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has publicly called for the resignation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, just days before a no-confidence vote scheduled in the European Parliament. The vote, planned for Thursday, centers on her controversial management of COVID-19 vaccine contracts.

On Tuesday, Orban took to social media to post a satirical image designed in the style of a Time magazine cover. It featured a red background and a figure resembling von der Leyen walking away, under the headline “Time to Go.” The image was a spoof of a 2024 cover depicting U.S. President Joe Biden following his withdrawal from the presidential race.

Orban has been a vocal critic of von der Leyen for years, accusing her of overstepping the Commission’s authority and interfering in member states’ internal affairs. He has often found himself at odds with Brussels over EU rule-of-law policies and sanctions, and claims the bloc’s leadership has made repeated efforts to marginalize Hungary.

Von der Leyen’s credibility has also come under fire from other quarters within the EU, particularly over her handling of vaccine procurement during the pandemic. Her reluctance to release text messages exchanged with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla has stirred significant controversy. Earlier this year, a European court ruled that her office failed to give a valid reason for withholding the communications.

Whether the no-confidence vote will succeed remains uncertain, but Orban’s high-profile push adds pressure to an already divided European Commission leadership.

Time to go. pic.twitter.com/utLYFKQz6b

— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) July 9, 2025