2024-11-04 16:48:00
Tomorrow, November 6th, Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) will appear before the LIBE Committee of the European Parliament as a candidate for the EU Commission’s Migration and Home Affairs department. Petra Steger, EU MP for the FPÖ and member of the LIBE Committee, expressed massive doubts about Brunner’s suitability in the run-up to the hearing and at the same time called for decisive reforms in European asylum policy.
“The FPÖ clearly won both the EU elections and the National Council elections. The fact that a candidate from the voted-out ÖVP is still proposed for the EU Commission is extremely undemocratic and a disregard for the will of the voters,” said Steger. “Brunner is not the candidate who will represent the interests of citizens in the areas of migration and internal security. He lacks both experience and competence, both of which are essential for this key department.”
Steger referred to Brunner’s own statements that his expertise primarily lies in the areas of economics, industry and finance. “If even Mr. Brunner admits that he has no expertise in migration policy, the question arises as to whether this candidacy is in the interests of Europe – or whether the post-trading considerations that are common in the EU are in the foreground here,” emphasized Steger.
The FPÖ politician also criticized Brunner’s role in the voted out black-green federal government: “This government has allowed Austria to reach the highest migration burden in history. It has clearly shown that it has neither the will nor the ability to stop illegal migration. These failures disqualify every member of this government – including Brunner – for this job,” said Steger.
This is all the more true as a change of direction is now urgently needed: “European asylum policy has completely failed. Brussels leaves citizens in the member states alone – while the EU’s external borders remain largely unprotected. This is unacceptable. It is long past time for a U-turn towards a ‘Fortress Europe’ approach that focuses on the protection of external borders and effectively prevents illegal migration.”
At the hearing on Tuesday, Steger will therefore ask Brunner to give concrete answers on how he wants to strengthen EU external border protection and accelerate the return of migrants without residence rights. She also wants to know whether Brunner is prepared to respect the national sovereignty of the member states in the area of asylum policy if they take individual measures to protect their borders and curb illegal immigration and want to withdraw from the unsuccessful EU asylum policy, as the Netherlands is currently doing or Hungary.
“It is time for the EU Commission to respond to the concerns and demands of citizens and launch a sustainable remigration policy. If Brunner is not the right person for this – and there are many indications that he is – then this position should be filled by another candidate. There are enough suitable personalities in the FPÖ, which is entitled to this position based on the election results,” said Steger.
1730764793
#FPÖ #Steger #hearing #Magnus #Brunner #lacks #experience #competence #suitability #position #Commissioner #Freedom #Parliamentary #Club
**Interview with Petra Steger, EU MP for the FPÖ**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Petra Steger. In light of Magnus Brunner’s upcoming hearing with the LIBE Committee, can you share your thoughts on his suitability for the role of EU Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs?
**Petra Steger:** Thank you for having me. I have significant concerns about Magnus Brunner’s suitability for this key role. His background is primarily in economics and industry, and he himself has stated that he lacks experience in migration policy. Given the critical nature of the issues at hand, this raises serious questions about whether he can effectively represent the interests of European citizens in these areas.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that the FPÖ won both the EU elections and the National Council elections. How does this influence your stance on Brunner’s candidacy?
**Petra Steger:** Our electoral success indicates a clear mandate from the voters. It is deeply undemocratic that a candidate from the previously voted-out ÖVP is now being proposed for such a prominent position. This disregard for the will of the electorate is troubling, and it feels like a denial of the citizens’ voice in shaping our European institutions.
**Interviewer:** What specific reforms are you calling for in European asylum policy?
**Petra Steger:** We need decisive reforms that prioritize the security of our citizens and address the realities we face with migration. The previous policies have led to an unprecedented migration burden on Austria, and we must ensure that any new policies genuinely protect our borders and address the challenges posed by irregular migration.
**Interviewer:** Do you believe Brunner recognizes the gravity of the situation, considering his lack of expertise in migration?
**Petra Steger:** I’m concerned that Mr. Brunner’s focus seems to lie more in maintaining the status quo rather than addressing the urgent needs of our migration policy. If he cannot articulate a clear vision for tackling these issues, then I fear that his candidacy is less about serving the public and more about political maneuvering within the EU.
**Interviewer:** As a member of the LIBE Committee, what are your next steps leading up to the hearing?
**Petra Steger:** I’ll be voicing my concerns during the hearing and advocating for a candidate who truly understands migration policy and represents the interests and safety of the people. The committee must scrutinize whether Mr. Brunner can meet the demands of this pivotal role.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Petra Steger, for sharing your insights with us today. We look forward to seeing how the hearing unfolds.
**Petra Steger:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep the focus on what is best for our citizens and Europe as a whole.
