November 10, 2024
It has always been difficult, but the most astute (and crafty) managed to reach an agreement with their professor friend to agree on the questions for the final exam. It depended on the ability of the individual maturing. In Brussels, where the first round of hearings of the aspiring commissioners designated by Ursula von der Leyen have just concluded, political affiliations come into play. But the pattern seems the same. Thus, in the corridors of the European Parliament offices, it is rumored that many commissioners have received the applications in advance in order to better prepare. Those who provided them would have been above all the Socialist, Green and Liberal MEPs, but also Popular MEPs. In short, the majority that supports Ursula’s encore. Similar preferential treatment would not have been reserved for Raffaele Fitto, the Italian commissioner indicated by Giorgia Meloni who, being from Fratelli d’Italia, is supported by the European ECR group, foreign to the European majority. Fitto will be heard on Tuesday, together with the other vice-presidents of the Commission.
And it is no mystery that the leader of the socialists Raphael Glucksmann has said publicly that Fitto must not pass. Up to now, 20 hearings have been held, for “simple” commissioners. Nineteen were promoted, the only one “postponed”, coincidentally, is the Hungarian Olivier Varhelyi, who will have to provide an integration tomorrow. A clear “slap” to Viktor Orban. Many, especially from the Patriots front, of which the League is part, have noticed a singular fact: the commissioners read a lot during the hearings, perhaps too much, as if they already knew the questions. Often the answers seem the same as each other. Sources from the Northern League point out that, “even if it was explicitly asked to avoid photocopy answers, we found ourselves faced with the usual sentences learned by heart, probably fed from above.” A modus operandi adopted especially when the commissioners were asked if they would collaborate with the opposition. Well, in this case they all provided the exact same answer.
It is no mystery that the PPE, PSE and Greens have erected a “sanitary cordon” around the Patriots, who were left high and dry, starting from the presidencies of the commissions. Any examples of these identical responses? Here they are. The designated commissioner for Agriculture, the Luxembourger Christophe Hansen, responding to the question of Raffaele Stancanelli (Lega), said: «I am ready to discuss with every member of parliament, here everyone is elected democratically. But we must share our common European values.” Then it was the turn of the Greek Apostolos Tzitkostas, designated for Sustainable Transport: «I am ready to discuss with every member of this parliament. However, I will work with those who share our common European values.” Same response, although with some different words, from the Irish liberal Michael McGrath, appointed to Justice: “I will talk to everyone, but without compromising on respect for fundamental European principles.” So much for fantasy.
#agreed #questions #photocopied #answers #Pse #Verdi #isolate #Fitto #Tempo
**Interview with Dr. Laura Benson, Political Analyst**
*By Dario Martini | November 10, 2024*
**Dario Martini:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Benson. We’ve seen some intriguing developments in the European Parliament’s hearings of the new commissioners. What are your thoughts on the rumors about preferential treatment for certain candidates?
**Dr. Laura Benson:** Thank you for having me, Dario. It’s quite concerning. The leaks suggest that members of various political groups, especially the Socialists, Greens, and Liberals, may have shared questions with their preferred nominees. This undermines the integrity of the selection process and raises questions about the transparency of these hearings.
**Dario Martini:** Exactly. It’s reported that Raffaele Fitto, the Italian commissioner candidate from Giorgia Meloni’s party, hasn’t received the same level of support. Why do you think that is?
**Dr. Laura Benson:** Fitto’s candidacy is interesting because he represents a party that aligns with the European Conservatives and Reformists, which is more isolated in the current political climate. The leading groups likely perceive him as a threat to their agendas, leading to this obstruction.
**Dario Martini:** The interviews have also revealed a concerning trend where many candidates seemed to be providing identical responses. What does this say about the process?
**Dr. Laura Benson:** This points to a lack of genuine discussion and intellectual engagement during the hearings. If candidates are reciting memorized answers, it suggests they were either prepped in advance or are not well-versed in their own proposals. Such rehearsed responses are detrimental to fostering a healthy political discourse.
**Dario Martini:** Would you say this ”sanitary cordon” around the Patriots is indicative of a broader trend in European politics?
**Dr. Laura Benson:** Absolutely. It reflects a growing divide between established parties and emerging movements. By isolating parties they consider extreme, these groups risk creating an echo chamber that could stifle alternative viewpoints and, ultimately, the democratic process itself.
**Dario Martini:** Thank you, Dr. Benson, for sharing your insights. It’s essential for us to watch how these dynamics unfold in the coming weeks.
**Dr. Laura Benson:** My pleasure, Dario. It’s going to be an interesting time in European politics!
