At the PS, Elio Di Rupo and Estelle Ceulemans consider this appointment “in total contradiction with the economic, social and ethical objectives of the Socialist Party and the S&D group”. “For the first time in the history of the European Union, a person from the far right occupies an emblematic position within the European Commission. We will stand together to defend more social justice, respect and protection fundamental rights and freedoms!”
For Saskia Bricmont (Ecolo), “the far right has entered the fold, environmental policies are in decline, defense and competitiveness are the key words; a poor project for the European Union whose future is today “Now really at stake.” Sara Matthieu (Groen) shares these criticisms, even if the decision to vote against was “difficult to make” for her.
This project is also not that of Marc Botenga and Rudi Kennes (PTB-PVDA). They point to the absence of a tax on millionaires or multinationals, as well as budgetary policies that will impose cuts in public services and social rights. They denounce a “militarist turn” of the new Commission and “complicity” with Israel in the conflict in the Middle East.
MEPs approve Ursula von der Leyen’s new team
The three Vlaams Belang deputies voted against, recalling the nationalist surge in the last elections, which according to them would not be taken into account by the new Commission. “We are the first of tomorrow, while this Commission is the last of yesterday,” claim Tom Vandendriessche, Gerolf Annemans and Barbara Bonte.
Vooruit shares the abstention of the MR and the Engagés. “Working with the extreme right is and will remain a red line that we will not cross,” according to Kathleen Van Brempt and Bruno Tobback. But for them, it is time to turn the page on the formation of the Commission and take on challenges such as the climate and industrial transition, or the looming trade conflicts. “It is only at the European level that we can react. It is up to the Commission to tackle it now,” they say, promising to be constructive.
On the side of the N-VA, Johan Van Overtveldt, Assita Kanko and Kris Van Dijck give the new Commission “the benefit of the doubt”. They emphasize the need for stability in this period of geopolitical turbulence. The emphasis on competitiveness, on reducing regulatory pressure, on investments, security and defense, suits them. “But we will be attentive to how these intentions come to fruition.”
Enthusiasm is affirmed, on the other hand, among Hilde Vautmans (Open Vld). The new Commission sets “the right priorities”, with an emphasis on maintaining jobs in Europe, increased support for entrepreneurs and a climate policy linked to the competitiveness of the economy. “In her speech, Ms Von der Leyen came across as a strong leader who wants to bring Europe together. She clearly sought broad support within Parliament. While Europe is being targeted from all sides, this is exactly what what we need.”
As for the CD&V, a member of Ursula von der Leyen’s EPP, it underlines the importance of a solid government for the Union, while 14 members of the new Commission come from the EPP or close to it. “At a time when Germany no longer has a full-fledged government, when the French government is walking on one leg and when a number of other countries are experiencing unstable political situations, it is important that Europe is firmly governed”, affirmed Wouter Beke and Liesbet Sommen. German-speaking elected official Pascal Arimont (CSP), also a member of the EPP, also supported Von der Leyen II.
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