World chief below hearth after particulars about latest journey come to mild: ‘Fairly absurd’

Many folks imagine politicians have a “do as I say, not as I do” angle, and definitely, this story would not assist that notion. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s journey habits are as soon as once more below scrutiny.

Euractiv reported that she took 16 personal jet journeys in 2024, all paid by the fee, regardless of her public push for the European Union’s Green Deal.

According to public information, von der Leyen flew on chartered planes for occasions starting from international summits to low-mileage journeys between Brussels and Strasbourg, France, a route that gives direct high-speed trains.

German European Parliament member Martin Schirdewan, who inquired about her journey information, did not maintain again.

“I find it quite absurd that she still uses private jets when there’s a train option that takes less than five hours,” Schirdewan told Euractiv. “She does not stand above the rules, although she likes to make some for herself.”

Meanwhile, a fee spokesperson tried to defend the journeys, stating that they passed off “only” when logistics, tight schedules, or safety made business choices unimaginable. One September mission had 40 staffers go to a flood-hit space in Wroclaw, Poland, earlier than heading to Ukraine.

The value? Almost 3,000 euros ($3,524) per particular person. There was a non-public jet from Paris to the G7 Summit in Italy and the Ukraine Peace Conference in Switzerland, which value 14,110 euros ($16,575) per particular person. But the whole prices haven’t been made public.

The backlash is not new. German shops Bild and Der Spiegel reported that von der Leyen took 57 personal flights in simply two years. The sample continues, and so does the air pollution. Private jets produce much more dangerous carbon air pollution per passenger than business flights. Five of her 2024 journeys have been to Strasbourg alone, together with a one-hour bounce from Brussels.

It’s truthful to ask who pays the value when leaders ignore their very own local weather recommendation. Private jets, typically utilized by billionaires and heads of state, let the rich skip public transport whereas the remainder of us breathe dirtier air. An EU president flying personal on Europe Day is only one instance. Even Elon Musk’s personal journeys sparked debate over his air pollution file.

If there is a silver lining, native and nationwide pushes are rising to curb elite air journey and assist greener choices. Polls on personal jet air pollution have sparked calls to tax or ban pointless short-haul flights. Small steps, however they add as much as a fairer, cleaner future.

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