Günther Oettinger’s comments on Chinese diplomats and gay marriage put into question his promotion as Budget Commissioner

A leaked video of European Commissioner Günther Oettinger making jokes about Chinese diplomats and 'compulsory gay marriage' sparked controversy in October 2016.

Media reports were published as it was announced Mr Oettinger would be proposed as the new European Commissioner in charge of the Budget and Human Resources taking over from Vice-President Kristalina Georgieva who had resigned on the 28 October 2016 . Some questioned whether he would in fact take on the job, considering the calls for his resignation.

On 3 November 2016, Commissioner Oettinger published a statement apologising for his previous remarks.

EurActiv, 31.10.16: Commission won’t apologise for Oettinger’s ‘racist and homophobic’ speech http://www.euractiv.com/section/public-affairs/news/commission-wont-apologise-for-oettingers-racist-and-homophobic-speech/

The Wall Street Journal, 31.10.16: German EU Commissioner’s Promotion At Stake Over Comments Dubbed Racist http://blogs.wsj.com/brussels/2016/10/31/german-eu-commissioners-promotion-at-stake-over-comments-dubbed-racist/

EUObserver, 31.10.16: China comments land EU's new budget commissioner in trouble https://euobserver.com/institutional/135731

EUObserver, 31.10.16: Commission makes no judgement in China race row https://euobserver.com/political/135733

The Independent, 30.10.16: EU commissioner describes Chinese people as 'slit eyed' and jokes about 'compulsory gay marriage' http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/eu-commissioner-gunther-oettinger-german-chinese-gay-marriage-schlitzaugen-slit-eyed-a7387706.html

The Guardian, 28.10.16: EU chief pokes fun at Chinese, gay marriage and ex-chancellor https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/28/eu-chief-pokes-fun-chinese-gay-marriage

Politico, 28.10.16: Oettinger remarks about Chinese diplomats raise eyebrows http://www.politico.eu/article/eus-oettinger-digs-at-chinese-ministers-with-shoe-polish-hair/

BBC News, 31.10.16: EU commissioner Oettinger in 'racism' row over China speech http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-37822419

Politico, 01.11.16: Günther Oettinger’s most embarrassing gaffes, insults and slurs http://www.politico.eu/article/gunther-oettingers-14-greatest-gaffes-filbinger-bohmermann-lawrence-kardashian-rihanna-net-neutrality/

EurActiv, 31.10.16: Oettinger defends Chinese ‘slitty eyes’ comment https://www.euractiv.com/section/public-affairs/news/oettinger-defends-chinese-slitty-eyes-comment/

Politico, 30.10.16: Günther Oettinger defends calling Chinese ‘slant eyes’ http://www.politico.eu/article/gunther-oettinger-defends-calling-chinese-slant-eyes/

Euronews, 31.10.16: EU's Oettinger in hot water over 'racist' remarks http://www.euronews.com/2016/10/31/eu-s-oettinger-in-hot-water-over-racist-remarks

European Commission: DG Communication: STATEMENT/16/3601, 03.11.16: STATEMENT by Commissioner Günther H. Oettinger http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-16-3601_en.htm

EUObserver, 03.11.16: Oettinger apologises over China insults https://euobserver.com/institutional/135755

Politico, 02.11.16: Strange career of Günther Oettinger http://www.politico.eu/article/the-strange-successful-career-of-gunther-oettinger-european-commission/

Deutsche Welle, 02.11.16: China umimpressed with German politician Oettinger's racial slur http://dw.com/p/2S2ls

EurActiv, 03.11.16: Oettinger finally apologises for ‘slitty eyes’ speech http://www.euractiv.com/section/public-affairs/news/oettinger-finally-apologises-for-slitty-eyes-speech/

Deutsche Welle, 05.11.16: Juncker says Oettinger's gaffe doesn't reflect EU values http://dw.com/p/2SCvY

EurActiv, 07.11.16: Juncker steps in to close ‘Oettigate’, revolving door controversies http://www.euractiv.com/section/public-affairs/news/juncker-tells-oettinger-to-apologise-to-those-he-offended/

EurActiv, 18.11.16: Parliament leaning towards exempting Oettinger from hearing https://www.euractiv.com/section/future-eu/news/parliament-leaning-towards-exempting-oettinger-from-hearing/

---