The European Ombudsman role, previously held by Ireland’s Emily O’Reilly, is up for grabs as she prepares to step down. Six candidates are vying for the position, facing a tough battle for support from Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) through a series of secret ballots in December. The role involves probing maladministration in EU institutions, but there is ongoing debate over its exact duties. O’Reilly has handled high-profile cases, including advocating for transparency in vaccine contracts and addressing individual human problems, such as securing a parliament pass for a breastfeeding contract interpreter’s baby.
One of the key issues in the race for European Ombudsman is the credibility and reputation of the candidate. Some, like Estonian Supreme Court Judge Julia Laffranque, have criticized O’Reilly for stepping outside the boundaries of her role. Laffranque believes that the focus should be on upholding the law to ensure credibility and acceptance of recommendations from EU institutions. However, other candidates, such as Teresa Anjinho from Portugal, argue that the role should prioritize fairness over a narrow legalistic approach. Seeking support from MEPs requires candidates to navigate these differing opinions and construct a narrative that resonates with a wide audience.
To secure a nomination for the European Ombudsman position, candidates must gain support from at least 39 of the 720 MEPs. The current candidates each hail from different backgrounds, such as former regional councillors, national Ombudsmen, and experts on human rights. Their support base is primarily concentrated in their home countries, requiring them to expand their reach across the European Union. Building a narrative that appeals to a diverse group of MEPs will be crucial in the upcoming selection process.
The candidate’s political affiliations and support base play a significant role in their campaign for the European Ombudsman position. Some candidates attract support from specific political groups, such as far-right or leftist parties. The challenge lies in constructing a narrative that garners support from a broad spectrum of MEPs without alienating any particular group. Candidates must balance their appeal across the political spectrum to secure the necessary backing for the role. The upcoming selection process will test their ability to navigate political divides and unify support behind their candidacy.
The race for the European Ombudsman position remains open, with multiple candidates vying for the role. Each candidate brings their unique background and expertise to the table, hoping to secure support from MEPs across the European Union. Building a narrative that emphasizes integrity, fairness, and a commitment to the role’s core duties will be essential in winning the necessary backing. As the selection process unfolds, candidates will face the challenge of expanding their support base beyond their home countries and appealing to a diverse group of MEPs to secure the role of European Ombudsman.
