EU Commission Faces Backlash Over Secrecy Surrounding Von der Leyen’s Hospitalization

The European Commission withheld details of President Ursula von der Leyen’s week-long hospitalization for severe pneumonia, raising transparency concerns.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, was hospitalized from January 2 to January 10 for severe pneumonia, a fact initially undisclosed by the Commission.
The Commission only revealed von der Leyen’s illness on January 3, describing it as severe pneumonia but omitting her hospitalization, which was later reported by German media on January 10.
Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho defended the decision, stating that von der Leyen’s ability to perform her duties was never compromised and that critical information was shared with the public.
The lack of transparency has drawn criticism from journalists and political commentators, with some questioning the democratic implications of withholding such information about a high-profile leader.
Von der Leyen is expected to resume her duties by the end of the week, including attending the World Economic Forum in Davos and a European Parliament session in Strasbourg next week.