Teresa Anjinho, Portugal’s former deputy ombudsman and ex-justice minister, has been elected as the European Ombudsman, taking office in February. A seasoned politician with a background in the center-right CDS party, Anjinho promises impartiality in her new role, though questions linger about whether her political ties could influence her watchdog duties.
Her election, backed heavily by the European People’s Party (EPP) and its allies, has drawn attention to her political roots, particularly since her predecessors, such as Emily O’Reilly, were known for their fearless critiques of EU leadership. O’Reilly often ruled on “maladministration,” as in the infamous Pfizer case involving Ursula von der Leyen, though with limited impact due to the non-binding nature of the ombudsman’s rulings.
Unlike her competitors—Dutch ombudsman Reinier van Zupten and Estonian judge Julia Laffranque, who emphasized transparency and accountability—Anjinho has pledged to improve communication with EU citizens. She aims to make the office more visible to the public, a shift from her rivals’ focus on tackling systemic flaws in EU institutions.
During her parliamentary hearing, Anjinho underscored her commitment to “transparency, ethics, and citizen rights,” asserting her independence despite speculation over her alignment with the EPP-dominated establishment. Her nomination, notably backed by almost all Portuguese MEPs across party lines, suggests she is respected domestically.
Still, skepticism remains about whether she will uphold the hard-hitting legacy of O’Reilly, especially when dealing with high-profile cases involving EPP figures. While Anjinho faces a tough balancing act, she now has the opportunity to challenge doubts and define her tenure by holding the EU administration accountable.
