The new European Commissioner for Enlargement Policy Marta Kos (Slovenia) has been accused of being an agent of the sinister State Security created by Yugoslav dictator Tito - UDBA, reports BGNES.
Ramana Tomc, a Slovenian MEP from the European People's Party (EPP), told Euronews that Kos was a "completely unacceptable and problematic candidate" for the EPP. Tomc was referring to her alleged links to the former Yugoslav secret police. She expressed concern about Kos's lack of experience at the highest management level, which is essential for the role of commissioner.
"Can you imagine that someone, for example in Germany, would nominate a candidate who had been an associate of the Stasi? Some of my colleagues in the European Parliament are very nervous when they hear that there are UDBA collaborators among us and even candidates for the Commission," Tomc explained, describing the procedure for Kos's appointment as a "humiliation for Slovenia".
Marta Kos rejected the accusations.
"These accusations first appeared when I announced my candidacy for the presidency of the Republic of Slovenia in 2022 with the intention of discrediting me," she said.
"Before I became ambassador to Germany and Switzerland, I was vetted by the security services in both countries. I was approved without any problems. If I ever harm Slovenia's interests, I will not be able to work in the Slovenian government or be an ambassador. Tomc's accusation that I was nominated solely because I am a woman ignores my extensive knowledge, experience and competence from a 35-year career. Yes, I am a woman, but what matters most is always experience, competence and the ability to make a significant contribution," added Kos.
Slovenia's commissioner-designate was replaced at the last minute and delayed the unveiling of the new European Commission by President Ursula von der Leyen, which eventually happened on September 17.
Initially, Tomaž Vesel, former head of the Court of Auditors, was nominated as Slovenian Commissioner. Vesel later withdrew his candidacy and Ljubljana agreed to nominate a woman.
The process sparked a row between Prime Minister Robert Golob and the opposition Slovenian Democratic Party, to which Tomc belongs. She has been accused by the prime minister of "sabotage".
"Why Golob changed his mind remains a mystery," Tomc said, accusing the prime minister of agreeing to Von der Leyen's demands. Furthermore, Tomc argued that Vesel had a better chance of passing the European Parliament's scrutiny.
The MEP stressed that her colleagues did not put pressure on the Slovenian delegation or other MEPs opposing the nomination. | BGNES
