The latest EPO leaks, especially two of today's [1, 2], truly back claims that Battistelli may be on his way out and it's only down to compensation or some 'pesky' technicalities. We have received additional information. That was just moments ago.

"Top level and lower level managers at the EPO aren't happy to sign a letter in support of Battistelli, based on the number of leaks we have been receiving about it (quite a lot)."The letter is self-humiliating because just like Željko Topić's alleged letters of intent to himself (covered here last week), such actions serve to reinforce widespread allegations of poor character. What was Battistelli thinking? Was he drunk on some "dangerous cocktail"? This is similar but not identical to the Streisand Effect.

As one other readers of ours put it: "It seems that EPO top management is trying to coerce all line managers into signing a petition to the AC. Amongst other requests, the petition claims 'to remain firm on ethics and not to tolerate misconduct'. This item is a reference to the Investigation Guidelines, which are now even openly criticised by the Board 28 delegations. But Mr Battistelli needs to maintain them since the Investigation Guidelines are a cornerstone of his management-by-intimidation approach. All line managers are expected to sign the petition. They must show that they are loyal to the party line. They are not happy since they know that 'captain' B's titanic is sinking. Many of them probably experience the act of being forced into signing this ridiculous piece of paper as another humiliation. Those who sign will lose even more of the respect of their staff."

Let your delegates know what Battistelli is scheming to do in order to form a false perception about his leadership and supposed popularity. ⬆