EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has issued a thinly-veiled risk to ‘Putin’s buddies’ as she embarks on her marketing campaign for a second time period. Addressing the gang on the fiftieth anniversary of Greece’s ruling New Democracy social gathering occasion in Athens, von der Leyen didn’t maintain again in her criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his allies inside Europe.
“Our united and peaceable Europe is being challenged each from inside and outdoors,” she declared, highlighting the multifaceted threats Europe is at the moment dealing with, together with Russia‘s aggression by means of cyber assaults and manipulation techniques.
Singling out populist and demagogic actions throughout Europe, von der Leyen asserted, “They’re trampling on our values and wish to hijack our future.”
In response to those challenges, von der Leyen promised to “battle again” within the upcoming EU elections in June. She urged for collective motion in opposition to these forces, emphasising the necessity for elevated defence spending and advocating for a extra strong European defence cooperation.
Nonetheless, von der Leyen’s marketing campaign launch comes amidst a storm of scandals and criticisms surrounding her management.
Critics, together with Marco Zanni, chief of the ID Group within the European Parliament, have lambasted von der Leyen over latest controversial appointments and scandals. Zanni accused her of being “submerged in scandals”, citing the latest “Pfizergate” and “Piepergate” controversies.
In a notice despatched to Categorical.co.uk, Zanni mentioned: “Ursula submerged in scandals: the silence on Pfizergate is shameful in the direction of European residents and now Piepergate is added, a case that broke out after the appointment of EU envoy for Small and Medium Enterprises to Markus Pieper – social gathering colleague of the President of the EU Fee – although he was the worst among the many pre-selected candidates and although the accountable commissioner, the Frenchman Thierry Breton, had beneficial one other extra certified title.
“All this with a noteworthy wage. There’s much less and fewer time left till the vote.
“An encore of Von der Leyen? With every passing day she turns into an increasing number of remoted.
“The ultimate push will include the residents’ vote.”
“Piepergate”, specifically, refers to von der Leyen’s appointment of Markus Pieper, a German conservative MEP, to a robust new function as EU SME Envoy, regardless of objections from different extra certified candidates. The transfer has sparked accusations of cronyism and raised considerations in regards to the Fee’s transparency and integrity.
Transparency Worldwide EU has known as for an unbiased investigation into Pieper’s appointment, whereas MEPs have questioned whether or not political affiliations performed a job within the decision-making course of.
Critics have additionally expressed apprehensions about Pieper’s monitor report, citing his shut ties to company pursuits and his historical past of pushing deregulatory and fossil fuel-friendly insurance policies.