Corruption-ridden cases are like the milk nobody likes (or allowed) to drink and yet, they are in the fridge: they are kind of there but people tend to forget about them. There comes a time however, when their being can be definitely sensed.
Let’s look back at some of the latest scandals in the lives of certain EU leaders.
EU Vaccine Contract Transparency Scandal
Ursula von der Leyen loses a major case on vaccine contract transparency in the EU’s top court. The Court of Justice ruled that the European Commission failed to provide “sufficiently wide access” to Covid-19 vaccine contracts, finding irregularities in redacting parts of the documents. Despite the scandal and the court ruling, von der Leyen was re-elected and will serve a second term.
The case, brought by Greens/EFA MEPs, demanded full access to understand the 2021 vaccine agreements. The Commission’s partial release, citing commercial interests, wasn’t enough.
The court found the Commission’s justifications for redactions lacking, stating it didn’t prove that wider access would harm commercial interests.
Von der Leyen now faces increased scrutiny as she begins her second term.
Another Campaign Funding Controversy
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen faces scrutiny over alleged illicit financing during the 2022 presidential election. The Paris prosecutor’s office launched a preliminary investigation into suspicions of accepting a financial loan, misappropriation of property, fraud, and forgery. The National Commission for Campaign Accounts and Political Financing flagged irregularities in Le Pen’s 2022 campaign. Candidates are barred from exceeding spending limits, and her far-right National Rally party faced fines for exaggerating expenses in the 2012 legislative elections.
Le Pen is also set to stand trial on EU embezzlement and fraud charges. The trial, involving 24 other accused is scheduled for October and November 2024. The allegations could have significant consequences for her political career and the reputation of French politics.
Supporters view the investigation as political destabilization, while opponents see it as a logical consequence of Le Pen’s actions. Analysts predict far-reaching implications for French politics and the National Rally party.