Dutch left-wing leader Frans Timmermans renounces $17,100 monthly severance from EU Commission

Timmermans, the former Vice-President of the European Commission, resigned from the Dutch Commissioner position in August of the previous year and the role of Vice-President of the EU Commission due to deciding to refocus on national politics. He emerged as the head of the left-wing Labor Party (PvdA) and the Green Party (GroenLinks) combined list.

After he departed from the Vice-Presidency of the European Commission, Timmermans was eligible for a "transitional allowance" for the subsequent two years. The former commissioner during that time did not express whether he would give up the severance pay after winning a seat in the elections to the lower house of parliament (Tweede Kamer), which took place in November of the previous year.

The "De Telegraaf" reported last Friday that the left-wing leader withdrew $17,104 monthly from the European Commission. This sparked criticism from political adversaries. The newspaper reported, corroborated by the EU Commission, that the last severance payout was received in December of the previous year.

Timmermans has been a member of the EU Commission since 2014. He served as its Vice Chairman and Commissioner for the rule of law during the 2014-19 term. Between 2012 and 2014, he led Dutch diplomacy as the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.