Ursula von der Leyen Faces No-Confidence Vote Over Pfizergate Scandal
The 'Pfizergate' scandal began in April 2021 when it was revealed that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had personally negotiated a significant COVID-19 vaccine deal with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla via text messages, raising concerns about transparency. Despite multiple investigations by the European Ombudsman and the European Public Prosecutor's Office, and a lawsuit by The New York Times, the content of these messages has not been disclosed. In May 2025, the EU General Court ruled against the Commission for failing to provide access to the texts, a decision the Commission is currently reviewing. Ursula von der Leyen survived a no-confidence vote in the European Parliament in July 2025 related to the scandal, but reports in August 2025 indicated the messages were likely destroyed. The European Public Prosecutor's Office investigation into the vaccine acquisition remains ongoing as of early 2026.
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Track this story2025
6 updates
2025
6 updatesUrsula von der Leyen survived two additional no-confidence votes in the European Parliament on October 9, 2025, brought by far-right and far-left groups, marking her third such survival within a year.
The New York Times reports that text messages between von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla were likely destroyed, with her phone having been replaced multiple times and old messages not saved.
via en.wikipedia.org·theguardian.com·eppo.europa.eu·youtube.com
Ursula von der Leyen survives the no-confidence vote in the European Parliament, as the motion fails to secure the required two-thirds majority.
via en.wikipedia.org·theguardian.com·eppo.europa.eu·youtube.com
A debate on a motion of censure (no-confidence) against Ursula von der Leyen is held in the European Parliament, initiated by MEP Gheorghe Piperea, citing the 'Pfizergate' scandal among other concerns.
via en.wikipedia.org·theguardian.com·eppo.europa.eu·youtube.com
The General Court of the EU rules in favor of The New York Times, annulling the European Commission's decision to withhold the text messages and stating the Commission violated transparency laws.
via en.wikipedia.org·theguardian.com·eppo.europa.eu·youtube.com
Investigative reporter Alexander Fanta publishes an article in The Guardian, detailing his own failed attempts to access the texts and highlighting the broader implications of the secrecy for EU transparency.
via en.wikipedia.org·theguardian.com·eppo.europa.eu·youtube.com
2024
2 updates
2024
2 updatesThe European General Court holds a public hearing in The New York Times' lawsuit concerning the access to the text messages.
via en.wikipedia.org·theguardian.com·eppo.europa.eu·youtube.com
A hearing regarding similar complaints filed with an investigative judge in Liège, Belgium, is adjourned, with the EPPO confirming these complaints fall under its competence.
via en.wikipedia.org·theguardian.com·eppo.europa.eu·youtube.com
2023
1 update
2023
1 updateThe New York Times lodges a lawsuit with the European General Court seeking access to the text messages between von der Leyen and Bourla.
via en.wikipedia.org·theguardian.com·eppo.europa.eu·youtube.com
2022
3 updates
2022
3 updatesThe European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) confirms it has launched an ongoing investigation into the acquisition of COVID-19 vaccines in the European Union.
via en.wikipedia.org·theguardian.com·eppo.europa.eu·youtube.com
The European Ombudsman severely criticizes the Commission and formally confirms a finding of maladministration regarding the lack of transparency over the text messages.
via en.wikipedia.org·theguardian.com·eppo.europa.eu·youtube.com
The European Ombudsman files a complaint, accusing the Commission of maladministration and urging a more thorough search for the text messages.
via en.wikipedia.org·theguardian.com·eppo.europa.eu·youtube.com
2021
1 update
2021
1 updateFollowing a refusal to provide access to the messages, European Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly opens an investigation into the European Commission's handling of transparency requests regarding the vaccine negotiations.
via en.wikipedia.org·theguardian.com·eppo.europa.eu·youtube.com
Story began · 4 years, 11 mo ago