Group of MEPs calls for Oliver Várhelyi's dismissal over announced suspension of aid to Palestinians without EU decision

(Patria) - A group of MEPs from the Greens, Socialists and Democrats, The Left, and Renew Europe, in an open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, are calling for the resignation or dismissal of the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Oliver Várhelyi.

The letter calls for Várhelyi to resign or be dismissed for exceeding his mandate after announcing the suspension of aid to Palestinians without consulting EU member state governments, reports Beta agency.

It states that the commissioner did not have the authority to make such a unilateral decision, nor to officially announce it on his social media accounts, and that no decision was made through the appropriate process.

It is recalled that this is not the first time Várhelyi has crossed the line and acted against inter-institutional rules.

It is also stated that many called for his resignation back in February after he called MEPs "idiots" at a plenary session of the European Parliament.

"We do not approve of the insults Várhelyi directs at EU institutions and their democratic functioning. That is why we are asking the commissioner to resign or be dismissed," the letter states.

The open letter to von der Leyen will be submitted later today. The draft letter to the Commission chief was signed by 12 MEPs.