Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has faced criticism over her appointment of a representative from her own party to a high-paying EU post. Mark Pieper, the German MEP and Ambassador for SMEs, resigned just hours before starting his new role after being promoted over more qualified candidates. Reports suggest that Pieper’s appointment was influenced by von der Leyen’s political affiliations.
The controversy surrounding Pieper’s appointment prompted intervention from high-ranking EU officials including Joseph Borrell and Thierry Breton. Commissioners Schmit and Gentiloni demanded an explanation from von der Leyen regarding the fairness of the appointment process. A formal complaint was lodged by Martina Dlabajová, a Czech ambassador for SMEs from the Renew group further complicating the situation.
Pieper cited opposition from Commissioner Breton as a reason for his resignation, accusing Breton of playing politics. The Commission expressed regret over Pieper’s decision and announced that the process for selecting a new SME ambassador would begin after the European parliamentary elections.
Von der Leyen faces mounting challenges as she navigates through the fallout from Pieper’s appointment. The Parliament passed a resolution demanding transparency in the selection process for the SME ambassador role, adding to the pressure on von der Leyen. Despite efforts from EPP and Finnish coalition to defend Pieper’s appointment, the controversy continues to cast a shadow over von der Leyen’s leadership.
The appointment scandal is just one of several obstacles threatening von der Leyen’s bid for a second term as President of the European Commission. As she faces criticism and calls for transparency, her political future hangs in the balance