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Nigel Farage accuses EU Commission head nominee of 'pursuing a new type of communism'

Nigel Farage launched a blistering attack on the German politician nominated to be head of the European Commission, accusing her of pursuing a communist agenda.

The Brexit Party leader accused German politician Ursula von der Leyen of leading an attempt for the EU to become a "centralised, undemocratic, updated form of communism" and suggested she was a "fanatic for building a European army".

In a fiery speech, Mr Farage said: “What you’ve seen from Ursula von der Leyen today is an attempt for the European Union to take control of every single aspect of our lives.

“She wants to build a centralised, undemocratic, updated form of communism...”

He added: "In some ways I'm really rather pleased, because you have just made Brexit a lot more popular in the UK, thank God we are leaving."

Brexit Party chairman Nigel Farage, center, speaks during a debate at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, Tuesday July 16, 2019. Outgoing German defense minister Ursula von der Leyen is seeking to woo enough legislators at the European Parliament to secure the job of European Commission President in a secret vote late Tuesday. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)
Nigel Farage clashed with Ursula von der Leyen, who is nominated to be the next European Commission President (Picture: AP/Jean-Francois Badias)

Ms von der Leyen, the German defence minister, replied that it was important to continue to work with the British.

She added: "but I think, Mr Farage, we can probably do without what you have got to say here".

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MEPs were set to vote on whether to back Ms von der Leyen to replace Jean-Claude Juncker at the head of the European Commission later on Tuesday.

Her clash with Mr Farage came as she said she would allow another Brexit extension if there were good reasons.

The Brexit Party leader’s comments were greeted by shouting and laughter in the room and French liberal MEP Nathalie Loiseau accused him of spreading fake news.

She tweeted: “No, @ Nigel_Farage , European defense will not lead to the demise of NATO. Another fake news. You continue to lie to your constituents. Rather, tell them how you will prevent # Brexit from weakening the UK, which nobody wants in Europe.”

Mr Farage was backed by fellow Brexit Party MEP Martin Daubney, who tweeted: “Back at the Strasbourg plenary for today’s “secret ballot” on Ursula Von der Leyen.

“I shall make no secret of my intent to vote against her. She wants an EU Army, wants to extend Brexit & wasn’t even on the ballot paper. “Nil points” from me #ChangePoliticsForGood.”

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