Thirty-five MEPs urge European Commission president to push for Várhelyi's resignation

Thirty-five MEPs from four political groups have urged European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to push for the resignation of Hungarian Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi due to allegations of spying by Hungary's foreign intelligence service. The allegations claim that Várhelyi, who is responsible for health and animal welfare, used his position between 2012 and 2018 as a platform for espionage. The MEPs signed a letter requesting von der Leyen to act in accordance with Article 17 of the Treaty on the European Union, which enables the Commission president to force a commissioner's resignation. If true, the allegations would undermine trust in Várhelyi, who has denied being aware of any recruitment attempts during his time at the mission. The European Parliament does not have the power to require individual Commissioner resignations but can approve a resolution calling for one.

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