Von der Leyen Ally Withdraws from Controversial Commission Post Amid Nepotism Claims
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's controversial pick for a lucrative job resigned before his first day amid accusations of favoritism.
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Markus Pieper, a German MEP from von der Leyen's party, was appointed envoy for small and medium enterprises but faced backlash.
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Pieper reportedly scored lower than two women candidates in the selection process but was still given the job.
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Several European Commissioners criticized the appointment, damaging Commission unity ahead of von der Leyen's re-election campaign.
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Pieper stepped down, saying he couldn't fulfill expectations due to the public fallout, but took aim at Commissioner Thierry Breton's "bad form" criticism.