An Member of the European Parliament has called the President of the European Commission 'corrupt to every last fiber' of her being.
Christine Anderson MEP lashed Ms Von Der Leyen from the podium in Brussels this week.
"Ms Von Der Leyen why don't you first give an account of your unspeakable mRNA vaccine supply contracts? she asked.
The German politician began by referencing the next US President's Government formation before launching her offensive.
"Donald Trump presents his new cabinet; highly competent patriots, determined ' to make America great again,' she said.
"Determined to make policy for the people again.
"And what do we get? You, Ms Von Der Leyen, thank you very much.
"The wrecking ball that mercilessly tears down everything that has made the European people strong.
"I want a Europe that is strong, sovereign, and successful. A Europe of success. A Europe of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
"We will not get any of that with you."
Christine Anderson then spoke about text messages exchanged between the EC President and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla in advance of the EU signing its biggest COVID vaccine contract with the company back in 2020.
"Ms Von Der Leyen you alone would be bad enough. But the prospective Commissioners you have gathered around you are a shambles, as far as the freedom, democracy and the rule of law are concerned.
"Ms Von Der Leyen why don't you first give an account of your unspeakable mRNA vaccine supply contracts? Otherwise you can stick your proposal regarding the commissioners where the sun don't shine. My group won't support it.
"Well unfortunately I am not allowed call you corrupt, otherwise you will cut off my microphone again. But be that as it may. Ms Von Der Leyen you are corrupt to the last fiber of your being," she concluded.
The text messages concerned have never been released. There have been calls for the European Commission to disclose the content of the messages, but it has refused.
Commission officials argue that there is no rule requiring the retention of phone messages of the commission’s president and members but only documents.
The EU had contracts worth €35 billion with Pfizer for 1.8 billion doses of the vaccine.
The exact value of the contracts has not been officially disclosed due to trade secrets.
The case is currently before the EU's general court with a judgement expected some time in the new year.
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