Foul play called over former Metsola cabinet chief's appointment as EU Secretary General

Media reports alleged that a backroom deal was struck between a number of political groups, with Eva Kaili breaking ranks with the Socialists and voting for Alessandro Chiocchetti • Chiocchetti had at least two meetings with Qatari authorities earlier in the year 

EU President Roberta Metsola and newly appointed Secretary General of the European Union, Alessandro Chiocchetti
EU President Roberta Metsola and newly appointed Secretary General of the European Union, Alessandro Chiocchetti

Transparency International called for the appointment of the newly appointed Secretary General of the European Union, Alessandro Chiocchetti, to be rescinded immediately, alleging that a backroom deal was struck.

They had written to EU President Roberta Metsola and the EU Vice-Presidents in October, asking them to rescind Ciocchetti’s appointment and that of a number of others at a senior DG and Director level, over a "flawed" and "shockingly" untransparent process. Chiocchetti served as the Head of Cabinet to Metsola.

They cited several media reports that claimed that in the two months leading up to the appointment, a secret deal was reached between a number of political groups that would see Chiocchetti installed as Secretary-General, in return for top jobs being given to other individuals from various political groups.

Transparency International specifically noted that Chiocchetti was only promoted to the Administrator grade required for the post, in May, just a few months before the “deal” was struck. “The chosen candidate manifestly does not have proven experience of managing a large staff,” TI added.

It has now emerged that Chiocchetti had at least two meetings with Qatari authorities earlier this year. Transparency International noted that ousted European Parliament vice-president Eva Kaili broke with the Socialists and voted in favour of Chiocchetti's appointment.

“We also know that Ms. Kaili broke from the Socialist group line to vote for his appointment in a sordid backroom deal between political groups concluded over the summer,” Transparency International said.

Chiocchetti with the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the European Union, Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Malki (Photo: Twitter)
Chiocchetti with the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the European Union, Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Malki (Photo: Twitter)

Eva Kaili and three others were charged and imprisoned in Brussels, amid a police probe into alleged bribery linked with Qatar, in order to influence MEP’s decisions.

“In the light of the current corruption scandal, the information identified today means that the appointment must be reversed immediately, as a precautionary measure,” Transparency International said.

In her right of reply sent on 6 December, Metsola dismissed the allegations as unfounded, insisting that the right protocol was observed in the selection process.

“There are no grounds to rescind the Bureau’s decisions. On the contrary, to ‘cancel’ the appointments, as you suggest, would amount to maladministration,” Metsola said.

She has however announced a reform package, in light of the scandal, saying that the European Parliament must send a "powerful message" to external actors who try to undermine it.