EU Parliament Faces Accountability Crisis Over Pfizer Contracts
In a recent development concerning the European Parliament, attempts to address the Pfizer scandal involving Ursula von der Leyen have been thwarted by political maneuvering, leaving crucial issues of accountability unresolved. This week, multiple proposals aimed at shedding light on the situation were put forward by various political factions, including the Patriotic Europeans (PfE), The Left (GUE/NGL), and Renew Europe. However, these initiatives were blocked due to inter-party rivalries, highlighting a troubling trend within the EU's legislative body.
The proposals, which sought to initiate discussions on the European Court of Justice's ruling regarding the Pfizer contracts and the subsequent actions of von der Leyen, were rejected on partisan lines. Joachim Aigner, a member of the MFG party, characterized the events as a failure of political responsibility, criticizing the parliament for prioritizing party interests over the needs of citizens seeking transparency.
Among the proposals was one from the Patriotic Europeans, calling for an official statement from the European Commission regarding the court's ruling and the expedited formation of a committee to ensure transparency and accountability within the EU. While 132 parliamentarians supported this move, members of The Left and Renew Europe voted against it, despite the similarities to their own proposals.
Similarly, The Left presented a proposal for the establishment of an ethics committee to assess the actions surrounding the Pfizer controversy, which garnered support from 102 members. However, this too faced opposition from the PfE faction, including members from the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ).
Renew Europe also submitted a proposal seeking a comprehensive explanation from the Commission and the establishment of an ethics body to enhance transparency in light of the court ruling. This proposal was ultimately rejected as well, with none of the parties willing to collaborate, despite the shared goal of promoting accountability and transparency.
The core of the controversy revolves around Ursula von der Leyen's reluctance to disclose the details and contexts of the multi-billion euro contracts with Pfizer, coupled with her communications with the company's CEO, Albert Bourla. This lack of transparency has drawn criticism from various quarters, including the European Court of Auditors and the European Court of Justice, yet the Commission has not provided the necessary clarity.
Aigner expressed concern that von der Leyen's approach resembles that of an autocratic leader, bypassing parliamentary oversight and accountability. He called for a significant political overhaul within Europe, emphasizing the need for the parliament to engage in meaningful dialogue regarding such critical issues.
What is particularly disheartening is the bloc mentality exhibited by the parties involved. Members of the FPÖ, part of the PfE faction, voted against The Left's proposal, just as The Left previously opposed the PfE's efforts. This partisan strategy resulted in the failure of proposals that aimed to address a significant public concern. Aigner criticized this approach, arguing that genuine commitment to accountability should not be hampered by ideological divides.
The MFG party is advocating for thorough investigations into the Pfizer contracts and demanding full transparency regarding all agreements made. They have initiated the independent parliamentary COVID-19 inquiry committee (APCU) to document and address instances of political irresponsibility and institutional failures comprehensively. Aigner insisted that those who allocate billions in taxpayer money behind closed doors must be held accountable, warning that ignoring such issues undermines democratic integrity.