Labour MEP takes Metsola nepotism complaint to EU Ombudsman
Labour MEP Daniel Attard asks EU Ombudsman to investigate appointment of Metsola brother-in-law and long-time aide Matthew Tabone as EP’s president chief of staff
5 September 2024, 1:50pm
Matthew Vella
Matthew Vella
2 min read
Matthew Tabone (right) was appointed chief of staff of the office of the EP president, Roberta Metsola
Labour MEP Daniel Attard has asked the EU’s Ombudsman, Elizabeth O’Reilly, to investigate a potential case of nepotism in the case of European Parliament president Roberta Metsola appointing her brother-in-law and long-time aide Matthew Tabone, her chief of staff.
“As a Member of an institution that prides itself on its commitment to the highest ethical standards, I am deeply concerned that this may constitute a significant breach of such standards,” Attard said in his opening remarks to the Ombudsman.
“Regrettably, this is not an isolated incident. Metsola planned to appoint Tabone as her Chef de Cabinet in 2022, and only reversed her decision following intense media scrutiny and the resulting public outcry. This followed her decision to back the controversial appointment of her former Chef de Cabinet, Alessandro Chiocchetti, as Secretary-General of the European Parliament,” Attard said.
Attard made reference to the Politico report raising questions about the European Parliament’s conflict of interest rules and whether these affected Metsola and the role her husband plays as a lobbyist for the cruise liner industry.
“Despite the previous scrutiny and the resultant reversal of her decision in 2022, it appears that this was only a temporary measure to appease her critics and she has now pressed on with this appointment, thereby undermining the commitment to ethical governance and transparency in the European Parliament,” Attard said, referring to Tabone’s appointment.
“The standards adopted before the election should not have been downgraded or even worse, discarded, after the election. Such recurring practices in complete disregard of established rules and ethical standards not only compromise the credibility of this institution but also erode public trust in politicians,” Attard told O’Reilly.
The MEP continued by asking whether the EP would be ready to portray an image of blatant double standards. “The integrity and credibility of the European Parliament are at stake. I look forward to your response and any steps taken to address this complaint.”
This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author’s view. The action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
Matthew Vella, a freelance journalist at MaltaToday, was formerly executive editor at Malt...
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