The European Union’s parliament has called on Ursula von der Leyen, the bloc’s top executive, to rescind the appointment of a business envoy that critics have linked to cronyism. The appointment of Markus Pieper, a lawmaker from von der Leyen’s German center-right party, as a special envoy for small- and medium-sized businesses has sparked intense debate in Brussels ahead of elections to the European Parliament in June.
Opponents of von der Leyen from other parties have raised concerns about media reports stating that two other candidates who scored better than Pieper were rejected in the initial selection process for the special envoy post. Pieper has defended his appointment, stating that he successfully completed a demanding selection process. Despite the controversy, the European Parliament approved a text calling on the Commission to rescind the appointment of Pieper and conduct a more transparent and open selection process for the EU SME Envoy.
The text was passed with 382 votes in favor, 144 against, and 80 abstentions. Transparency International has also criticized the appointment, suggesting that top Commission jobs are given to those politically beneficial to the President rather than those most suitable for the role. The Commission remains convinced that Pieper is the right person for the job and is expected to start next week as planned.
