However, a new set of leaks by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), the German radio group NDR and the London Guardian newspaper, allege that Juncker took a close interest in tax affairs and that — under his leadership — Luxembourg managed to block a tax 'peer review' process between member states and an investigation into cross-border tax avoidance strategies.
The European United Left/Nordic Green Left MEP, Fabio De Masi — Vice-President of the Committee of Inquiry into Money Laundering, Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion (PANA) — said: "Juncker should make a new year's resolution for the sake of Europe: he must step down."
Juncker leaks: GUE/NGL demands Commission President to step downhttps://t.co/fzi97Rmh6n pic.twitter.com/fTHnlWhekt
— GUE/NGL in the EP (@GUENGL) 3 January 2017
"Juncker is part of the problem and not the solution. It's absurd that millions of Europeans who have suffered from austerity policies that created social division now have the godfather of tax dumping presiding over the EU commission," the German MEP said.
"Member states lose hundreds of billions each year in their budgets due to these tax deals. This money is needed for massive public investments."
"The Commission must free itself from the dark shadow of Mr. Juncker. It must help end tax competition instead of lowering real taxes for corporations through full transparency in the country-by-country reporting and a reform of the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base," De Masi said.
GUE/NGL will be calling for a plenary debate on the Juncker leaks and De Masi is pushing for the Commission President to be invited for questioning at the PANA committee.
