João Leão candidate for European Court of Auditors

Euro MPs have approved the candidacy of ex-Portuguese finance minister João Leão, to the European Court of Auditors.

João Leão, who was Portuguese Finances minister from 2020-2022, and was one of the main figures in the government who dealt with the package of extraordinary financial support measures to help support businesses and companies during the Covid-19 period, received 328 votes in favour and 67 against with 198 abstentions.
However, the Swedish candidate Hans Lindblad garnered 498 votes, 15 against and 74 abstentions.
The European Parliament approved the candidature nominated by Portugal for the ECA after a plenary session vote, which took place on Thursday in Strasbourg.
The ECA audits the EU’s finances, a crucial task for improving accountability and transparency, and thereby enhancing citizens’ trust. It examines revenue and spending in every area of the EU’s work, from growth and jobs to environmental policy and climate action.