High drama unfolds at the highest levels of Europe as Ursula von der Leyen is publicly shamed during power struggle

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently appointed a representative from her own party to a high-paying EU post, causing uproar within the European Commission. Ambassador for SMEs Mark Pieper, a German MEP, resigned just hours before he was set to start his new role. Reports suggest that Pieper was promoted over more qualified candidates and that his appointment was influenced by von der Leyen’s political affiliations.

The controversy surrounding Pieper’s appointment prompted intervention from high-ranking EU officials, including the EU’s foreign and security policy representative Joseph Borrell and Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton. Commissioners Schmit and Gentiloni also demanded an explanation from von der Leyen regarding the fairness of the appointment process. A formal complaint was lodged by Martina Dlabajová, a Czech ambassador for SMEs from the Renew group, further complicating the situation.

Pieper cited opposition from Commissioner Breton as a reason for his resignation, accusing Breton of playing politics. The Commission expressed regret over Pieper’s decision and announced that the process for selecting a new SME ambassador would begin after the European parliamentary elections.

Von der Leyen, who is seeking re-election as the head of the Commission, faces mounting challenges as she navigates through the fallout from Pieper’s appointment. The Parliament passed a resolution demanding transparency in the selection process for the SME ambassador role, adding to the pressure on von der Leyen. Despite efforts from the EPP and Finnish coalition to defend Pieper’s appointment, the controversy continues to cast a shadow over von der Leyen’s leadership.

The appointment scandal is just one of the many obstacles threatening von der Leyen’s bid for a second term as President of the European Commission. As she faces criticism and calls for transparency, von der Leyen’s political future hangs in the balance.