The European Commission's chief spokesperson, Paula Pinho, was accused of being misleading regarding the health status of President Ursula von der Leyen, during a press briefing on Monday.
On 3 January, the Commission confirmed that von der Leyen was suffering from a severe case of pneumonia.
Last Friday, the German press agency Dpa revealed that von der Leyen had spent a week in hospital due to the illness. The news sparked controversy, as the Commission's spokespeople had repeatedly been asked about her condition during the week but did not provide direct answers.
During Monday's press briefing, Pinho found herself the target of a heated line of questioning from some journalists. They claim the Commission's spokespeople were misleading regarding von der Leyen's health condition and her ability to perform her duties. Additionally, they questioned why the President's tasks were not delegated.
Pinho stressed that the President was always "able to act" and that if she had been incapable, a different type of communication would have been necessary. She added that von der Leyen is "recovering well". Pinho also confirmed that the President was in hospital from 2 January until last Friday, but was never in intensive care and did not require ventilation.
Until now, the Commission's press service had only announced that von der Leyen had "severe pneumonia" and would cancel her external appointments until mid-January. They also stated that she remained in daily contact with her team and was capable of making important phone calls, including one with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The Commission President is currently recuperating at her home in Hanover, Germany, and will not lead the Commission's weekly meeting this Wednesday. Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera will step in to take over her duties.
The Commission had initially planned to dedicate its first meeting of the year to a strategy to enhance the global competitiveness of the European economy. However, approval of this "competitiveness compass" has been postponed. Pinho said that this delay is not due to the President's health but because the proposal needs further refinement.
Pinho stated that von der Leyen is on track to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos (Switzerland) and the European Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg (France).
Due to her illness, von der Leyen had to cancel several engagements, including a visit from the Commission to the incoming Polish presidency of the EU Council. This has now been rescheduled for 6 and 7 February.
