Diplomatic downfall: When ambassadors cross the line
While his case may be the latest to hit headlines, it's far from the only time an ambassador's behaviour that has cut a diplomatic career short. From internal harassment complaints to political sackings and even public naps, here are some of the lesser-known stories of diplomats who were quietly, or dramatically, sidelined.
Thomas Oberreiter, the erotic blogger
Austrian Ambassador to the European Union (2023-2025)
Thomas Oberreiter, Austria's Ambassador to the European Union, resigned last week amid allegations that he anonymously authored a sexually explicit blog featuring misogynistic content and described sexual assault under a female monicker.
Despite Oberreiter's denying writing the sadomasochism blog, media investigations linked the blog's posts to Austrian Foreign Ministry IP addresses and devices. The blog, active for several years and containing sadomasochistic fantasies written from a woman's perspective, reportedly originated during office hours and within an official building.
After being a diplomat for over 30 years in Europe and Mexico, Oberreiter resigned as the polemic swirled in Brussels. He has not responded to requests for comment.
Marta Kos, a comeback under scrutiny
Ambassador of Slovenia to Switzerland (2017-2020)
Marta Kos, Slovenia's Commissioner for Enlargement since 2024, left her diplomatic post in Bern under a cloud back in 2020, when she resigned as ambassador to Switzerland following accusations of workplace harassment. She cited 'differences in views' on foreign policy and embassy leadership as the cause.
An internal audit, triggered by staff complaints, painted a picture of a toxic work environment under her watch.
Though she managed a political comeback four years later, Kos's nomination to the European Commission wasn't without turbulence. Her appointment sparked criticism in Slovenia and Brussels, with opponents questioning both her leadership style and suitability for a top EU role. Some even resurfaced long-standing rumours about past links to Yugoslavia's former secret police, claims Kos has firmly denied.
Spanish controversial sackings
Alberto Antón, Spain's Ambassador to Belgium (2022-2025) & Juan González‑Barba Spain's ambassador to Croatia (2022-2025)
Alberto Antón, Spain's ambassador to Belgium, was dismissed in June 2025, five months after being filmed nodding off during a major diplomatic event in Madrid. The incident, caught on camera at the annual ambassadors' conference, showed Antón yawning and slipping into a light doze while Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares delivered a lengthy keynote. The clip quickly became viral on social media and, according to several Spanish media outlets, caused his dismissal.
Meanwhile, Antón insisted he was unwell and was simply under the effect of antihistamines at the time. In an open letter, Antón accused Albares of turning a harmless 'siesta' into a pretext for a purge. Critics of the minister say Antón's dismissal fitted a broader pattern of politically motivated sackings.
Just months earlier, Juan González-Barba, the ambassador to Croatia and a former secretary of state for EU affairs, was also removed from his post, reportedly for publishing an opinion piece defending Spain's parliamentary monarchy and praising King Felipe VI.
Misconduct in Finland's diplomatic corps
Jarmo Viinanen, Ambassador of Finland to Sweden (2014-2016) & Jari Vilén, Ambassador of Finland to Canada (2023-2024)
Finland's ambassador to Sweden, Jarmo Viinanen, was recalled in 2016 following internal investigations and media reports of alleged sexual harassment involving embassy staff and guests. Viinanen denied publicly criticised the Foreign Ministry's handling of the process, calling it unfair and poorly managed. He claimed he was never given a clear explanation of what he had done wrong and described the months-long ordeal as a personal injustice.
Jari Vilén, Finland's ambassador to Canada since September 2023, stepped down a year after, when allegations of inappropriate conduct, including unwanted physical contact. Although not formally dismissed, Vilén returned to Helsinki to work within the Ministry of foreign affairs following an internal investigation that reportedly concluded his behaviour amounted to sexual harassment. He denied any wrongdoings.
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