In a stunning turn of events, Markus Pieper, the appointed special envoy for small businesses under European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, abruptly resigned from his €17,000-a-month role just hours before assuming office. The resignation comes amidst swirling allegations of favoritism and political maneuvering, casting a shadow over von der Leyen’s bid for a second term.

The controversy erupted as MEPs and European commissioners raised concerns over the appointments process, with opponents like French Commissioner Thierry Breton and EU Chief Diplomat Josep Borrell questioning Pieper’s selection. Pieper’s decision to step down followed mounting pressure, with critics claiming he did not rank first in the initial interviews process.

In his statement, Pieper defended his candidacy, denouncing Breton’s involvement as politically motivated and asserting his qualifications for the role. However, he cited the inability to fulfill the expectations of the office amidst the escalating dispute.

Von der Leyen’s allies dismissed accusations of political interference, emphasizing Pieper’s performance in the selection process and the absence of objections raised by Breton and other commissioners prior to the appointment.

The resignation marks the second high-profile reversal of a Brussels appointment in less than a year, echoing the debacle surrounding US economist Fiona Scott Morton’s withdrawal last July. Dubbed “Piepergate” in Brussels circles, the scandal threatens to undermine von der Leyen’s once-assured path to reelection.

With member states expected to endorse von der Leyen’s candidacy post-election, the outcome hinges on securing a parliamentary majority of 361 MEPs, a precarious feat given her narrow margin of victory five years prior.

Expressing regret over Pieper’s decision, von der Leyen announced the suspension of the selection process until after the EU elections, underscoring the importance of transparency and collegiality within the commission.

Breton, acknowledging Pieper’s resignation, emphasized the urgency of filling the vacant SME envoy position promptly, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to its core values amidst the unfolding turmoil.**Controversial Resignation Shakes European Commission Ahead of Elections**

In a stunning turn of events, Markus Pieper, the appointed special envoy for small businesses under European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, abruptly resigned from his €17,000-a-month role just hours before assuming office. The resignation comes amidst swirling allegations of favoritism and political maneuvering, casting a shadow over von der Leyen’s bid for a second term.

The controversy erupted as MEPs and European commissioners raised concerns over the appointments process, with opponents like French Commissioner Thierry Breton and EU Chief Diplomat Josep Borrell questioning Pieper’s selection. Pieper’s decision to step down followed mounting pressure, with critics claiming he did not rank first in the initial interviews process.

In his statement, Pieper defended his candidacy, denouncing Breton’s involvement as politically motivated and asserting his qualifications for the role. However, he cited the inability to fulfill the expectations of the office amidst the escalating dispute.

Von der Leyen’s allies dismissed accusations of political interference, emphasizing Pieper’s performance in the selection process and the absence of objections raised by Breton and other commissioners prior to the appointment.

The resignation marks the second high-profile reversal of a Brussels appointment in less than a year, echoing the debacle surrounding US economist Fiona Scott Morton’s withdrawal last July. Dubbed “Piepergate” in Brussels circles, the scandal threatens to undermine von der Leyen’s once-assured path to reelection.

With member states expected to endorse von der Leyen’s candidacy post-election, the outcome hinges on securing a parliamentary majority of 361 MEPs, a precarious feat given her narrow margin of victory five years prior.

Expressing regret over Pieper’s decision, von der Leyen announced the suspension of the selection process until after the EU elections, underscoring the importance of transparency and collegiality within the commission.

Breton, acknowledging Pieper’s resignation, emphasized the urgency of filling the vacant SME envoy position promptly, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to its core values amidst the unfolding turmoil.