MEPs urge investigation after top job is given to Juncker's chief of staff

MEPs urge investigation after top job is given to Juncker's chief of staff
By Stefan Grobe
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MEPs are calling for an investigation into Martin Selmayr's appointment as EU Commission secretary general. The 47-year-old previously worked under its president, Jean-Claude Juncker.

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Taking the seat at the top table in Brussels, the new secretary-general of the EU Commission Martin Selmayr has been the talk of the town, but not all publicity is good publicity in this case.

The manner in which Selmayr was appointed has been a source of consternation across the political spectrum since details started to leak last month.

In Strasbourg MEPs were demanding an investigation into his appointment.

But allies of Selmayr have accused his attackers of pursuing an “anti-German” agenda. His appointment, they say, was strictly done by the book.

EU Budget and Personnel Commissioner Günther Oettinger said that nationality and party affiliation don't play any role for any appointment, it's just the candidate's qualification.

And that's why Selmayr was simply considered the best candidate, Oettinger said.

Nonetheless, Dutch Liberal MEP Sophie in 't Veld voiced sharp criticism of the Selmayr appointment.

"And if the Commissioners are so easily intimidated by a civil servant, if they act like helpless children when confronted with an unexpected staff decision, then how do we expect them to stand up for European interests against Trump, for example, in trade wars or resist pressure from power lobbies or be firm with national governments that violate EU rules?"

In the European bubble, the Selmayr saga continues.

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