The European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Finnish Social Democrat Jutta Urpilainen, is considering stepping down while she campaigns for the presidential elections in her country. She announced it on Sunday on the X social network.
“I want us Finns to commit to leaving no one behind, also in the future. I’m ready to become @Demarit candidate in the presidential election. The campaign starts on 2.12. I will tour the country by Christmas”, she declared.
“Last week, Commissioner Urpilainen informed President [of the European Commission] von der Leyen of her interest in standing as a candidate in the forthcoming presidential elections in Finland. The President takes note of the Commissioner’s letter and invites her to observe a series of measures in line with the code of conduct pending the formalisation of her candidacy”, the Human Resources spokesman, Balasz Ujveri, told EUROPE on Monday 20 November.
According to the Commission, this was a case of withdrawal through unpaid leave.
“Until her official candidacy is confirmed, the Commissioner will continue to carry out her duties as a member of the Commission”, said the EU institution.
At this stage, the Commission did not wish to specify who would replace Ms Urpilainen. The first round of elections is scheduled for 28 January. A possible second round would take place in February. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)