‘Pfizergate’ Scandal: Calls for Ursula von der Leyen’s resignation amid corruption allegations
As the European elections approach, the escalating ‘Pfizergate’ scandal involving alleged corruption in the mass purchase of COVID-19 vaccines poses a significant challenge to the European Commission, particularly to its President Ursula von der Leyen who is called for her resignation.
A letter from the plaintiff’s lawyer in the case, accessed by Euronews, has been sent to the leaders of the 27 EU member states and Manfred Weber, President of the European People’s Party (EPP). This letter, officially registered with the European Council, calls for the resignation of the entire European Commission, starting with Von der Leyen.
The plaintiff urges EU leaders to bring the matter before the Court of Justice to force the resignation of Von der Leyen and all European commissioners, stripping them of their pension rights. Additionally, the plaintiff requests that the EPP withdraw Von der Leyen’s candidacy for the European Commission presidency and ban her from holding any position within European institutions while under criminal investigation.
Legal Basis and Allegations
The lawyer cites Articles 245 and 247 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which address actions incompatible with official duties and serious misconduct.
The case centers on the disclosure of phone calls and text messages between Von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, through which they negotiated vaccine contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Belgian lobbyist Frédéric Baldan filed the initial complaint, leading to an investigation by Belgian authorities in early 2023. Hungary and Poland have since joined the lawsuit.
The letter criticizes Von der Leyen for refusing to disclose the vaccine contracts and her communications with Bourla, arguing that her actions offend “public morality” and erode “legitimate trust” in the European Commission. It asserts that Von der Leyen and her commissioners are no longer capable of performing their duties, violating the principle of good administration as outlined in Article 41 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The plaintiff also questions the involvement of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), which has requested to take over the case. According to Baldan, this move aims to sideline the civil parties involved and potentially nullify the investigation, as the EPPO may lack the funds to continue its work until 2024.
