Harassment complaint against MEP Assita Kanko dropped

A harassment complaint against Belgian MEP Assita Kanko has been dropped, according to the MEP. A former member of her staff had lodged a complaint with the European Parliament alleging improper demanding behaviour.

"The competent committee has decided, on the basis of all the arguments, facts and results of the investigation, that the accusations against me of improper demanding behaviour have proved to be unfounded," said Kanko, of Flemish nationalists N-VA. 

"The president of the European Parliament follows the opinion of this committee and consequently dismisses the complaint," she said, adding that she was very pleased to have her name cleared.

In May, Politico reported that a complaint had been filed against Kanko in November last year by a former employee who had been dismissed. Politico also spoke to several former staffers who painted a picture of a culture of fear in which the MEP gave unattainable assignments and made inappropriate personal demands.

The person who filed the complaint told Politico on Friday that they "take note of the committee's ruling, but cannot agree with its conclusions and recommendations".

^{Belgian MEP Assita Kanko © HANS LUCAS VIA AFP}