Centrist MEP fumes after EU Parliament scraps rule of law debate
The European Parliament’s leaders bowed to the pressure of governments and avoided a debate over the rule of law in Greece, Spain and Malta, commented Dutch Renew Europe MEP Sophie in´t Veld (D66).
EURACTIV reported last week that a resolution on the rule of law in Spain, Greece, and Malta was postponed by the EU Parliaments’ top decision-making body comprised of political groups’ chiefs to avoid interfering in the upcoming Spanish and Greek elections, key for the socialists (S&D) and the centre-right (EPP), triggering a blame game between the political groups.
Read more: EU parliament blocks rule of law resolution on Greece, Spain to avoid interfering in elections
Commenting on the decision, in´t Veld said the frightening democratic backsliding in several EU member states should have been debated as “democracy and the rule of law are our core business, and the problems are very substantial”.
“Political meddling from the involved countries´ governments has kept it off the agenda. The Parliament´s leadership caved to the pressure from political allies who do not want to have a light shone on their dirty laundry,” the Dutch MEP said.
She added that in the case of Hungary in the past, the European Parliament never caved to pressure.
“We should continue to resist pressures like these, no matter the political colour of any given government,” she said.
In´t Veld stressed that the contrast between a strong legislative success and a poor showing as a democratic watchdog is emblematic of the European Parliament nowadays.
“I am worried about our instincts as an institution that must hold other political actors in the EU to account.”
“I believe Europe is at its best when it is a force for good in the world. When it can leverage its powers for noble goals and ambitions. This week we voted for stopping global warming in its tracks. Around the world, factories will have to green up or pay up. I call that a win. At the same time, we reneged on our promise to make Europe into the bastion of democracy in the world. We do not have to choose between the two; we can do both,” she concluded.
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