MeToo allegations against EU politicians
Criticism of the Brussels Green leadership: Anger is growing after revelations about Malte Gallée
Facing resistance because of her handling of MeToo allegations: Terry Reintke, chairwoman of the Green group in the European Parliament.
© Christoph Soeder/dpa
There has been protest among the Greens in the European Parliament since star reported on allegations of sexual harassment against Malte Gallée. Employees criticize the party leadership in clear terms.
“We refuse to take part in the downplaying of our leadership, which does not do justice to the seriousness of the situation, the leadership responsibility and the experiences of those affected. We stand in unwavering solidarity with the victims of bullying and their witnesses,” it says an open letter from employees of the European Greens, which star is present.
The letter is addressed to the chairmen of the Green European Group, Terry Reintke and Philippe Lamberts, as well as to the Secretary General Vula Tsetsi and the Deputy Secretary General Guillaume Sellier. 45 former and current Green Party employees in Brussels have signed the letter (as of Monday, 11:59 p.m.).
Malte Gallée is said to have crossed borders
They are responding to research by the star. Accordingly, a number of party employees in the European Parliament have accused Gallée of sexually harassing them since the summer of 2022. Since then, according to information from star submitted several complaints to the ombudspersons of the Green Group in the European Parliament. The party leadership in Brussels is said to have known about the allegations against the German MP for a good year – without this having any consequences.
Despite these allegations, the Green group in Europe is said to have taken no serious measures to protect those affected. These threw back star-Information from the parliamentary group leadership around Terry Reintke that they did not take their complaints seriously. They were also put under pressure by the parliamentary group not to comment on the allegations.
Sexism allegations against Malte Gallée: dissatisfaction among the Greens
Many employees are particularly disappointed with Terry Reintke, the top German and European candidate for the upcoming European elections. According to sources close to the Green Party in Brussels, she did not take appropriate measures against Malte Gallée.
The open letter states: “The leadership of our group declares and promises to be a leader in anti-harassment protection. Time and time again we have heard that the fight against harassment within and outside our group is an absolute priority, while reality shows us that “The leadership failed to take action when victims asked for help. The harassment allegations – and even more shocking – the apparent cover-up is not only unpleasant, it is shocking.”
The signatories call for action against harassment in the workplace and for “those who fail to act to be held accountable.” Terry Reintke declined an interview request on Friday star away.