Favouritism accusation dents Von der Leyen’s re-election chances

European Commission defends appointing adviser Markus Pieper after selection process is questioned

Ursula von der Leyen’s bid for a second term in one of the most powerful jobs in Brussels, the presidency of the European Commission, has been dented after accusations of favouritism in the selection of a fellow party member to a lucrative new job.

Four of some of the highest ranking people in Brussels, including the EU’s chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, and the French commissioner Thierry Breton, have written to her to complain that the appointment of German MEP Markus Pieper as a special adviser “has triggered questions about the transparency and impartiality of the nomination process”.