Rob Roos Vows to Continue Fight for Transparency After Von der Leyen Complaint Dismissed
Former European Deputy Rob roos has vowed to continue his fight for transparency in the wake of a court ruling declaring his criminal complaint against European commission President Ursula von der Leyen inadmissible.
Roos, who filed the complaint alongside hundreds of others, expressed his disappointment at the decision, stating that citizens have the right to know how crucial contracts, such as those with Pfizer and biontech, are negotiated.He emphasized that despite his efforts as a European deputy and inquiries from the European Court of Auditors,no satisfactory answers have been provided regarding the lack of transparency surrounding these deals.
The complaint centered around alleged irregularities in the communication and negotiation processes between von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, particularly concerning the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines.Roos criticized the court’s decision to dismiss the complaint without a thorough inquiry into potential damages suffered by the complainants, despite the availability of thousands of relevant documents.
Despite this setback,Roos remains optimistic and steadfast. He now has access to the contracts in question, a privilege he did not have during his time as a European deputy. This, he believes, is a meaningful step forward and will inform his next actions with his legal team.Roos also highlighted the growing interest from American citizens in this case, given Pfizer’s American origins. He cited contacts he has made in the United States and the involvement of prominent figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,who are also interested in shedding light on the matter.
Looking ahead, Roos expressed hope that recent political changes in the United states, symbolized by the election of Donald Trump, will inspire greater transparency in Europe. He criticized the lack of openness in European institutions and expressed his desire for the united States to set a positive example.
Roos and his co-plaintiffs are adamant that this is not the end of the fight. They remain committed to pursuing transparency and justice, believing that recent developments in the United states coudl have a significant impact on the future of this case in Europe.
Time.news Editor: Rob, thank you for taking the time to speak with us.Your recent legal complaint against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding the negotiation of Covid-19 vaccine contracts has garnered meaningful attention. can you walk us through the key points of contention?
Rob Roos: Certainly. My complaint, along with hundreds of others, centers around a lack of clarity in the communications and negotiations between President von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla. We believe crucial facts regarding these dealings, notably concerning the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines, was kept from public scrutiny. Despite my efforts as a European Deputy and inquiries from the European court of Auditors, we haven’t received satisfactory answers. The court, though, has deemed the complaint inadmissible.
Time.news Editor: That’s disheartening to hear. I understand the court cited insufficient evidence to warrant further investigation. How do you respond to that?
Rob Roos: I disagree with that assessment. We believe the court should have delved deeper into the matter. Thousands of documents exist that could shed light on potential damages suffered by the complainants. Dismissing the complaint without a thorough examination is concerning, to say the least.
Time.news Editor: Despite this setback, you remain persistent to fight for transparency. Can you elaborate on your next steps?
Rob Roos: Absolutely. A significant development is that I now have access to the contracts in question, something I couldn’t access as a Deputy. This is a crucial step forward and will inform our next moves with my legal team. We’re exploring all avenues to ensure public scrutiny and accountability.
Time.news Editor: It’s interesting that you mention public scrutiny. You’ve highlighted growing interest from American citizens in this case, given Pfizer’s American origins.What’s the importance of this transatlantic attention?
Rob Roos: It’s vital as it demonstrates a shared concern for transparency and accountability, regardless of borders. The involvement of prominent figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. underscores the gravity of this issue. We’re witnessing a growing international movement demanding answers.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead, do you see any potential catalysts for change within European institutions?
Rob Roos: I’m hopeful. Recent political changes in the United States, symbolized by the election of donald Trump, demonstrate a shift towards greater openness. I believe these changes can serve as a positive example for Europe. We need to demand the same levels of transparency from our institutions.