Ursula von der Leyen’s new team has overcome the first hurdle in the EU Parliament. The Justice Commission has not found any financial conflicts of interest with any of the candidates, the parliament in Strasbourg announced on Thursday.
However, MPs from Greens and Left criticized that there were “still numerous open questions”, such as a member of the German Greens on the Justice Committee, Sergej Lagodinski. According to his own statements, Lagodinsky left the meeting room together with other parliamentarians “in protest”. He accused conservatives and liberals in parliament of overlooking potential conflicts of interest “to save their own candidates.”
Criticism and demand for more powers for Parliament
During their interrogation, parliamentarians must rely on the self-disclosure of the appointed commissioners; the Justice Committee had already asked questions due to a lack of information. Parliament can only fulfill its task “if it is fully informed,” criticized German SPD Justice Committee member René Repasi. He called for a change in procedure and for Parliament to be given more powers.
Now candidates must participate in hearings
The next hurdle for Von der Leyen’s team will be the hearings in parliament’s specialized committees from November 4 to 12. The hearing of the appointed Austrian EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) will take place on November 5. Parliament must then confirm the entire composition of the next committee in a vote.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
