Fine Gael MEPs must explain support for Von der Leyen as yet another scandal emerges – Chris MacManus MEP
Sinn Féin Midlands North West MEP has said Fine Gael’s MEPs must explain to the Irish Public why they are the only Irish MEPs to support President Ursula Von der Leyen, by backing her in a crucial vote in Brussels. Von Der Leyen was criticised by a majority of the Parliament for her selection of a German party colleague for a €200,000 post with a seemingly dubious selection procedure being followed.
MacManus said:
“Once again Commissioner Von der Leyen is embroiled in scandal and once again Fine Gael’s MEPs stand up to back her. The scandal centres around the appointment on a €200,000 a year salary to a German party colleague of President Von der Leyen – Markus Pieper.”
“The allegation, widespread in European media, is that the appointment did not follow due process and that better qualified female candidates were overlooked.”
“These allegations require full investigation not least given the incredible level of taxpayers’ money that will be a paid to the long-time EPP MEP.”
MacManus concluded, “Fine Gael must explain why they did not support the amendments, which thankfully passed. Fine Gael must also explain why they continue to support Von der Leyen despite her numerous scandals and controversies and the ever-growing evidence of her unfitness for the job.” ENDS
Notes to Editor:
Text of Full amendment:
| 213 a. Notes the creation and subsequent recruitment of an EU SME Envoy which is an Hors-Classe Temporary Agent at grade AD15; regrets that multiple media outlets reported that the successful applicant was ultimately appointed despite having been outqualified in the recruitment assessments by the two remaining female candidates from underrepresented Member States, which questions whether the principles of merit, gender and geographical balance were taken into consideration; notes with concern that the successful candidate is an outgoing Member from President von der Leyen’s own German political party; calls on the Commission to rectify the situation by rescinding the appointment and launching a truly transparent and open process for the selection of the EU SME Envoy; |
