Discussion in the European Parliament precedes a confidence vote on von der Leyen's performance - EU Parliament deliberates on proposed Union budget draft
The European Parliament is set to debate a motion of no confidence in the work of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with the focus on the EU Commission's actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The motion, tabled by Gheorghe Piperea, a far-right Romanian MEP from the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, has been initiated due to concerns about transparency and governance, particularly regarding the Commission's vaccine procurement strategies.
The core accusation is that von der Leyen breached EU transparency standards by withholding text messages exchanged with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla during negotiations for the EU’s multi-billion euro COVID-19 vaccine deal. The lack of public access to these communications has fueled criticism and legal challenges, with a recent ruling by the European General Court overturning a previous decision that had blocked a journalist from accessing them.
The motion must be debated at least 24 hours after announcement, with a vote held at least 48 hours after the debate. For the motion to pass, at least two-thirds of votes cast (with a majority of all MEPs present) are required. Given this high threshold, the motion is considered largely symbolic, with the primary goal being to highlight discontent and push for increased accountability rather than to remove von der Leyen and her Commission.
The debate and vote may set a precedent for how future EU leaders are held accountable for their actions, especially in crisis management scenarios. Even if the motion fails, it underscores growing scrutiny over the EU Commission’s transparency and decision-making, particularly regarding its emergency procurement processes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The controversy, often referred to as "Pfizergate," has also raised questions about the balance between efficient crisis response and democratic oversight in the EU. The motion has attracted criticism from the Commission and mainstream political groups, but some far-right and nationalist groups see it as an opportunity to challenge the pro-European establishment.
As the debate unfolds, the European Parliament will weigh the need for transparency and accountability against the efficiency of crisis response, potentially shaping the future of EU leadership and governance.
- The debate in the European Parliament about a motion of no confidence in Ursula von der Leyen focuses on transparency issues within the EU Commission's policy-and-legislation, particularly with regard to her vaccine procurement strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, which involves allegations of breaching EU transparency standards and withholding important text messages exchanged with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla.
- The political implications of the motion, often referred to as "Pfizergate," extend beyond just the possibility of removing von der Leyen, as it serves to emphasize the need for greater accountability and transparency in the EU's decision-making processes, especially in crisis management scenarios, potentially shaping the future of EU leadership and governance.
