The European Commission found itself embroiled in controversy on Monday as it faced accusations of concealing the true extent of its president, Ursula von der Leyen’s, health crisis. Speculations and questions arose after the head of the EU’s executive branch was hospitalized due to severe pneumonia, leading to concerns about transparency and accountability within the powerful institution.
Ursula von der Leyen, a prominent and influential figure in European politics at the age of 66, had embarked on the commencement of her second consecutive five-year term as the president of the European Commission with vigor and determination. Her active engagement in international affairs was evident through her visits to Ukraine and South America for crucial trade discussions. However, the unexpected turn of events on Jan. 3 shifted the focus to her health when it was announced that she was battling severe pneumonia, prompting the cancellation of her scheduled appointments for the subsequent two weeks.
Despite the official announcement, details surrounding the circumstances of her illness remained shrouded in mystery. The lack of transparency regarding how von der Leyen fell ill and the subsequent hospitalization raised eyebrows and fueled speculations about the handling of information within the European Commission. The decision to withhold the news of her hospitalization drew criticism, with concerns being raised about the communication practices of the EU’s executive body.
In response to queries from the press regarding the delayed disclosure of von der Leyen’s hospitalization, commission spokesperson Paula Pinho defended the institution’s actions by emphasizing that updates had been provided on the severity of her illness. While the specific details of her hospitalization remained undisclosed, Pinho maintained that the president had continued to engage in important discussions and fulfill her responsibilities while recuperating at her residence in Hannover, Germany.
The acknowledgment of von der Leyen’s health struggles and the reassurance of her ability to fulfill her duties did little to quell the mounting skepticism surrounding the handling of the situation. As the president spent eight days receiving medical treatment in the hospital from Jan. 2-10, the public remained anxious for updates on her condition and recovery progress. Pinho’s assurance that von der Leyen was on the path to recovery and scheduled to resume her activities in Brussels later in the week aimed to alleviate concerns about the impact of her absence on the functioning of the European Commission.
Despite the setback in her health, von der Leyen’s resilience and determination to resume her commitments were evident in her planned attendance at upcoming events such as the European Parliament session in Strasbourg, France, and the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Her unwavering dedication to her responsibilities and engagement on critical issues, including the EU’s vaccination efforts against COVID-19 and support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, highlighted her enduring commitment to advancing the interests of the European Union on the global stage.
Having assumed office in 2019, von der Leyen has navigated challenging times marked by the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, striving to steer the EU towards unity and resilience. Her leadership during crises
