By Martin Banks - 26th November 2012
I don't know of any valid reason for my dismissal
Ries Baeten
UKIP MEP Marta Andreasen faces possible legal action over claims that she 'harshly' sacked a close aide.
Ries Baeten, a Dutch national, was dismissed by Andreasen for allegedly taking part in 'unauthorised activities'.
Baeten, a father of two, strongly refutes the allegations and has sought legal advice with a view to a possible appeal.
He had worked as a close aide to Andreasen for over three years and said, "I am amazed that someone in UKIP can behave like this. This is a party which is constantly talking about fairness, yet one of its own MEPs has acted like this."
He received a letter, seen by this website, from Pierre-Antoine Barthelemy, head of unit in parliament's personnel directorate, informing him of the decision.
The letter, dated 13 November, says that Barthelemy was asked by Andreasen to terminate his contract with parliament.
It adds, "Andreasen explained that you had not followed her instructions and that you have failed to comply with her requests.
"She also told me that you had engaged in unauthorised activities some of which have caused problems for her and her work."
Giving Baeten three months' notice, he says that Andreasen asked that Baeten does not visit her office during this period.
It also reminds Baeten that he has to return his parliament badge to the institution on the final day of his work.
Baeten told this website that he felt 'angry' about how he had been treated, saying, "I have worked very hard for Mrs Andreasen for over three years and this is very harsh."
He says that when he asked Andreasen the reasons for his dismissal she told him she had been angered at parliamentary amendments he had tabled.
Baeten, who is 42 and has worked closely on budgetary affairs during his time with Andreasen, said, "I don't know of any valid reason for my dismissal. After all the work I have done I do not deserve this. I want to establish what possible legal redress I have over this."
A spokesman for Andreasen - who is a former chief accountant at the commission - said, "She does not comment on staffing issues."
