2024-11-07 13:31:00
With the American elections and the triumphant return of Donald Trump to the White House, the parliamentary hearings of the future European commissioners, which will take place from Monday 4 November in Brussels, have gone completely unnoticed. However, MEPs have already heard and confirmed fifteen of the twenty-six commissioners who will make up the college of the second Commission chaired by Ursula von der Leyen.
The Hungarian Oliver Varhelyi did not immediately get the green light from the deputies on Wednesday evening, 6 November. Appointed by the Hungarian nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, member of the far-right group Patriots for Europe – chaired by Jordan Bardella, leader of the National Rally -, he did not receive two thirds of the votes of the members of the health and agriculture committees of Parliament, necessary to be confirmed. However, his opponents also failed to muster two-thirds of the votes to eliminate him. He will then have to answer written questions before MPs review his candidacy from Monday 11 November.
On the eve of the meeting of the European Political Community, then the informal European Council, organized in Budapest by the Hungarian Prime Minister, Thursday 7 and Friday 8 November, the liberal, socialist, environmentalist and radical left groups intended to send a signal A clear policy to Viktor Orban, Donald Trump’s first European support. They do not want this candidate to serve as Commissioner of Animal Health and Welfare. And this even though this portfolio remains relatively modest and has a very low budget, even though it has occupied, since 2019, a much more important position as commissioner responsible for neighborhood policy and enlargement.
Women’s rights and LGBT
Being familiar with Parliament, the Commissioner-designate had prepared professionally, knowing his new files like the back of his hand. However, politically, it took him more than three hours and the questioning of one of the youngest MEPs, Emma Fourreau (La France insoumise, La Gauche group), to apologize to the MEPs after having treated them like idiots during a session parliamentarian of February 2023. Reporting that he had already apologized at the time, he however assures that he is not « happy to introduce you again [s]I apologize here today.”
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Interview between the Time.news Editor and Dr. Sofia Hastings, Expert in European Political Affairs
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Hastings! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments regarding the new European Commission, especially the case of Oliver Varhelyi. Let’s jump right in. Why do you think Varhelyi’s approval process has attracted such polarized reactions among MEPs?
Dr. Sofia Hastings: Thank you for having me! Varhelyi’s nomination is tangled in various layers of political dynamics within the EU. He’s backed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose nationalist positions are controversial among many European lawmakers. His close ties to far-right groups further complicate matters, as it raises concerns about his alignment with the EU’s foundational values of democracy and respect for human rights.
Time.news Editor: That makes sense. You mentioned the far-right connection. How does that influence the political climate in the European Parliament, especially now with the rise of populist movements?
Dr. Sofia Hastings: The rise of populism is definitely a critical factor. With leaders like Orban pushing nationalist agendas, there’s a fear among more progressive MEPs that appointments like Varhelyi’s could signal a shift towards a more fragmented and polarized EU. This can hinder cooperation on vital issues such as animal welfare and health, which are key responsibilities for the commissioner.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of cooperation, it’s interesting that while Varhelyi didn’t receive the necessary two-thirds vote for approval, those opposing him also failed to gather enough support for dismissal. What does this indicate about the current mood in the Parliament?
Dr. Sofia Hastings: It indicates a significant split and a rather chaotic dynamic within the parliamentary groups. On one side, there is considerable opposition from centrist and progressive factions, but on the other side, it seems that far-right and nationalist groups might be solidifying their power. This deadlock means that MEPs will likely have to grapple with complex negotiations moving forward. It can delay important policy advancements, particularly in animal welfare and environmental issues.
Time.news Editor: With Varhelyi now having to answer written questions, do you think this will affect his confirmation prospects? What might MEPs be looking for in his responses?
Dr. Sofia Hastings: Absolutely, the written questions are a chance for MEPs to scrutinize his positions more closely. They will be looking for clarity on his commitment to EU values and how he intends to approach sensitive topics like animal welfare, especially considering Hungary’s controversial track record in this area. If he cannot convincingly address their concerns and outline a progressive agenda, it may jeopardize his confirmation later in the process.
Time.news Editor: That’s quite illuminating, Dr. Hastings. Given the current political climate, what should citizens keep an eye on in the coming weeks regarding the new European Commission?
Dr. Sofia Hastings: Citizens should watch for the outcomes of Varhelyi’s written responses and subsequent discussions in Parliament. Additionally, the broader interactions among the new commissioners will reveal how the EU plans to navigate the politically charged atmosphere created by populism. Transparency in these discussions will also be crucial—any attempts to sideline dissenting voices could signal a worrisome trend for the future of EU governance.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hastings, for your insights today. It seems we’re at a pivotal moment in EU history where the actions taken now will resonate for years to come.
Dr. Sofia Hastings: Thank you for having me! It truly is a critical time, and I agree that the decisions made will significantly shape the EU’s future, both internally and in its position on the global stage.