EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan Submitted His Resignation
Phil Hogan became the target of criticism for failing to comply with the corona virus measures at a dinner he attended. According to the news in Bloomberg, EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan submitted his resignation. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also accepted the resignation without delay.
Phil Hogan, an Irishman, attended a golf course dinner with about 80 people in his country last week. The incident escalated when the local media reported the meal that the measures were not followed under the title of "Golfgate Scandal".
Lie About Quarantine
Another scandal for Hogan was his failure to comply with quarantine measures. In Ireland, people coming from abroad within the scope of measures must remain under quarantine for 14 days. Phil Hogan's spokesperson announced that the trade commissioner had completed this deadline. However, the pressure on Hogan soon increased when it was revealed to be a lie. Irish police launched an investigation against him for breaking the rules.
Prime Minister Martin: It Is Normal That People Are Angry
Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin said, “It is clear that Commissioner Hogan is not following public health rules in Ireland. "Given the sacrifices made to comply with public health, it is normal for people to be angry at this action," he said.
Phil Hogan, who had apologized many times before, could no longer endure the pressure and criticism and said, “The concerns about my visit to Ireland have come to a point where it will affect my work as an EU Commissioner. That's why I submitted my resignation ”.
He was the man who negotiated with the USA
Phil Hogan was an important figure for the European Union. Hogan was the number one name in the negotiations for the cancellation of the new taxes imposed by US President Donald Trump on many EU goods. On August 21, Phil Hogan and his US counterpart, Robert Lighthizer, announced that they had reached a limited tax cut agreement, which could be the first step to a wider improvement in transatlantic business relations.