Nothing predestined me to stand before you
Before the question session, Hadja Lahbib began her speech by recalling her modest, North African origins. His father arrived in Europe 77 years ago, from Algeria, looking for a job. “Nothing predestined me to stand before you, she said first. I was not supposed to serve my country as Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs. But I did it“. And to emphasize that its history is a history which represents Europe and its values: “equality, solidarity and opportunities“.
To challenge her, a deputy questions her: “What guarantees do you give, to work in a spirit of impartiality with regard to the Middle East?“. Hadja Lahbib affirms that she will rely on respect for international humanitarian law which has been violated. She takes the opportunity to defend her record as Minister of Foreign Affairs, “Belgian positions were able to bring together divergent opinions“.
There is no greater or lesser discrimination
Will the designated commissioner defend discrimination, including against Jews? “There is no greater or lesser discrimination, there is no hierarchy between them, all must be treated equally“, respond Hadja Lahbib.
Another more sensitive issue concerns surrogacy. The candidate responds without dodging: “This is a decision that is up to each member state. But I will ensure that equality is respected. Particularly with regard to children so that they have legitimacy and the possibility of moving freely within the Union“. And to put forward the idea of a European certificate of recognition for these children.
Hadja Lahbib also intends to ban conversion therapy practices… Here again, she is applauded.
“What are you going to do to fight against gender theories, to protect the Christian roots which are specific to Europe, and to prevent Catholics from being discriminated against in turn?“, says an anti-woke MP.
The designated commissioner avoids the trap by insisting on “values of equality and humanity in all its diversity“. “According to Unicef, she adds, “it is appropriate to educate our children to understand the world, without creating a blind spot that would not awaken the full complexity of humankind“.
The problems of Iranian Visas and the Russian Visa in Crimea
On several occasions, certain deputies sought to destabilize the designated commissioner. Each time, Hadja Lahbib knew how to keep his cool. Two subjects rang repeatedly like clanging pans.
First, the matter of visas granted to the Iranian delegation which had been invited to the Brussels Urban Summit in June 2023. “You contributed to a resolution to abolish the death penalty.” says a deputy. “But Iran is a country that practices the death penalty. Isn’t it contradictory that you granted visas to a delegation of Iranians?“. The MP recalls that Hadja Lahbib faced three calls to resign, and regrets that Brussels Secretary of State Pascal Smet served as a scapegoat.
“My office had given a negative opinion to the arrival of this delegation”, replied the candidate tirelessly. “In this matter, the government and I obtained a vote of confidence“.
Another problem is the visa affair that Hadja Lahbib obtained from Russia to report in Crimea, when she was still a journalist at RTBF. “An error”says a deputy. “Are you going to apologize?“, adds another. “There is no doubt that I defended the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine“, repeated the Commissioner-designate, who made a point of emphasizing the difference between the professions of journalist and minister.
The French MP, François Xavier Bellamy (Les Républicains), insists: “What will you do to fight against foreign interference, you yourself who are involved in visa issues? How can we talk about protecting democracy?“.
Hadja Lahbib’s response is still applauded: “Humanitarian aid is not a luxury, it is a duty. This is part of our fundamentals, in situations of war and conflict. I will ensure from the beginning of the chain to the end that there is the greatest transparency so that help reaches those who need it.“. And to admit, however, that there is no “zero risk“, but that there will be”zero tolerance“, she promises…
