REUTERS

The European Parliament has confirmed German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen's candidacy as President of the European Commission to replace Jean-Claude Juncker.

"Ursula von der Leyen will be the new president of the European Commission after MEPs voted in favour of her candidacy," the European Parliament said on Twitter on Tuesday evening.

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"With 383 votes in favour, the European Parliament has elected Ursula von der Leyen president of the next European Commission in a secret ballot," it said.

A total of 733 MEPs were present. At least 374 votes were needed. Some 327 MEPs voted against, 22 abstained, one vote was annulled.

She will hold her new post in 2019-2024.

Von der Leyen, who has served as German defense chief the past six years, is an ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.