Charges of “improper behaviour” levelled at Belgian MEP Assita Kanko have been dropped, she announced on July 28.
The European Parliament committee responsible for passing judgment has ruled that “the allegations of improper demanding behaviour were found to be unfounded”.
The MEP’s unnamed former employee who brought the charges does not agree with the decision. “The committee makes a very coloured judgment,” he said.
In a post on Twitter, or X as it is now named, Kanko said she was informed that the complaint by the disgruntled ex-employee had been dropped. The committee came to its decision “based on all the arguments, facts, and results of the research”, she said.
“The ongoing proceedings compelled me not to communicate on this issue for the past few months. This was extremely frustrating, especially as I knew I had a clear conscience.
“I am very pleased that after this months-long and very thorough investigation, this has finally cleared my name. I hope I can now put this wrenching episode for me and my family permanently behind me.”
Kanko said she will continue to work as an MEP “with full energy and enthusiasm”.
Beste mensen,
Zo’n twee maanden geleden las u misschien enkele nieuwsberichten over een klacht die tegen mij was ingediend in het Europees Parlement door een ontslagen medewerker. Ik werd beschuldigd van ongeoorloofd veeleisend gedrag.
Vandaag mocht ik vernemen dat die klacht…
— Assita Kanko MEP (@Assita_Kanko) July 28, 2023
The unnamed man who pressed the charges told Belgian media: “The numerous pieces of evidence, testimonies and the departure of many staff members proved insufficient for the committee to judge Ms Kanko’s behaviour as problematic.
“I can only conclude that this politicised committee, made up of fellow MEPs, makes a very coloured judgment.”
The ex-staffer had accused Kanko of creating a “culture of fear” with outrageous demands such as “babysitting her child” and working on days off. She was also accused of playing “mind-games” with employees.
Three former Kanko staff members and two Parliament officials who worked closely with the MEP or her team, speaking on condition of anonymity, told media outlet Politico they all suffered what they said were instances of mistreatment.
The European Parliament has not commented on the case, as procedures involving alleged harassment are confidential.
