The controversy over her choice of envoy adds to a growing list of potential problems for von der Leyen as she seeks a second term as European Commission president.
More than half of MEPs voted last week in favor of an amendment asking von der Leyen to restart the nomination process.
Pieper signed the contract on March 31, despite the fact that two other candidates shortlisted for the position, both women, reportedly received higher test scores in the selection process.
The controversy over her choice of envoy adds to a growing list of potential problems for von der Leyen as she seeks a second term as European Commission president.
European Commission Vice-President Josep Borrell and Commissioners Nicolas Schmit, Paolo Gentiloni and Thierry Breton, all working under Commissioner Leyen, criticized Pieper’s appointment, a sign that the Commission’s unity is weakens as the European elections approach.
Pieper told Handelsblatt: “Just as Breton has already boycotted in advance my taking up his position within the Commission, I currently see no possibility of meeting the legitimate expectations linked to this function.”
Politices
