The MR is proposing Hadja Lahbib, outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs, as the new European Commissioner for Belgium.
The MR has proposed Hadja Lahbib, outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs, as the new European Commissioner for Belgium. The decision, which was highly anticipated, marks the end of speculation surrounding this position. Although the name of Didier Reynders, current Commissioner for Justice, has regularly been mentioned, it seems that he will not be reappointed in the next von der Leyen Commission.
Knowing that the future Arizona coalition has agreed that a French-speaking liberal will once again be appointed to the European Commission, the rest should be a formality. If the name of Didier Reyndersoutgoing commissioner and openly candidate, was still circulating, that of Hadja Lahbib had already been mentioned last week. The outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs therefore beat the former to the punch.
Bouchez clarified that Ms Lahbib would remain a minister until her appointment as Eurocommissioner and that she would also continue to draw the MR list in Schaerbeek during the local elections on 13 October. In her tweet, Ms Bouchez thanked Mr Reynders for his “brilliant work”. He “remains an eminent and important figure for our political movement”, it can be read.
The portfolio that Lahbib will get in the European Commission will be decided by President Ursula von der Leyen. Before the European Parliament gives its green light to the entire Commission, each commissioner-designate must undergo a new hearing before the competent parliamentary committee. This is not systematic.
Even if nominated by his country, the position of commissioner is not guaranteed. The candidate is screened on his financial interests. In 2019, two candidates were rejected at this stage. Then, the choice must be validated by the European Parliament. The risk of blockage is very real since it is not uncommon to see the parliament reject a candidate. In this case, the country must propose a new candidate who must pass an audition again. Which takes time.
The Flemish parties were not interested
The position of European Commissioner is worth as many points as that of Prime Minister in the distribution of powers. This means that the “small parties” do not necessarily aspire to it, in order to maintain the ability to influence ministerial balances. The Flemish parties were not very interested: the CD&V and Vooruit for this reason, the N-VA because it would always have to run for the position of Prime Minister. The Engagés, for the same reason of protecting their weight, gave way to the MR.
Belgium was the last European Union country to announce its candidate for the key position.
More info to come.
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