EFDD accuse Federalists of 'dirty dealings' as committee chairs are elected

European parliament's petitions committee has voted ALDE deputy Cecilia Wikström as its chair, denying Eleonora Evi of the EFDD group.

By Kayleigh Rose Lewis

08 Jul 2014

This final blow means that the EFDD group is not represented as a chair or vice-chair in any of parliament's 22 committees or subcommittees.

Nigel Farage, who heads up the EFDD group slammed the results, saying, "The Federalist fanatics have shown their true anti-democratic colours.

"They hate scrutiny and opposition and therefore hate the EFDD group with a passion - which, I suppose, should make us proud.

"The Federalist fanatics have shown their true anti-democratic colours" - Nigel Farage

He continued, "The Europhile groups have again demonstrated their fear of democracy, their hatred of minority views, and their clear rejection of transparency.

"EU Federalists are a disgrace, but the public should realise their views and their dirty dealings are emblematic of the European parliament," said the UK deputy.

The committee chair posts were divided among the remaining groups, with EPP receiving eight, S&D seven, ALDE three, ECR two, with the GUE/NGL and Greens/EFA each receiving one post.

S&D deputy Linda McAvan, who was elected as chair of parliament's development committee, said, "I am delighted to have been elected as the chair of the European parliament's international development committee, and am grateful for colleagues' support.

Adding, "I will work to ensure the committee plays a full part in tackling poverty across the world.

"My task is to ensure the committee has a strong voice on these issues, and I relish the challenge that brings" - Linda McAvan

"The next parliament will bring a huge opportunity to make progress in the developing world through the UN's post-millennium development goals, the European year of development (2015) and the UN climate summit in Paris next year," she explained.

"My task is to ensure the committee has a strong voice on these issues, and I relish the challenge that brings."

She went on, "This position is a great opportunity for us as Labour MEPs. We can advance our cause for social justice, and demonstrate the added impact that working with across countries across the EU can have.

"I look forward to working with all those active on development policy in the period to come," she concluded.

Jean Arthuis of the ALDE group was elected to chair the budgets committee, and responded by saying, "I am honoured by the trust placed in me.

"I will devote all my energy and skills to making the EU budget a credible instrument for growth and employment," pledged the French deputy.

"In this regard, I intend to make the mid-term review of the multiannual financial framework an occasion to renegotiate with the council.

"Other important issues need addressing, ie: the budget of the euro area, and the recurring question of outstanding commitments," he noted, adding, "The budgets committee must play a leading role to reinvigorate Europe."

GUE/NGL deputy Thomas Händel, the newly elected chair of the employment and social affairs committee, said, "Chairing [this] committee is a great honour and challenge.

"I am looking forward to closely cooperating with all political groups in order to tackle the tasks ahead.

"A matter of highest urgency will be the fight against unemployment, in particular youth unemployment" - Thomas Händel

The German MEP continued, "A matter of highest urgency will be the fight against unemployment, in particular youth unemployment, but also the fight against precarious jobs.

"EU citizens expect not only improvement on a quantitative level, but also on a qualitative one, for instance through improved rules on health and safety at work or through better cooperation among member states in order to tackle abuses, such as undeclared work or the circumvention of laws designed to protect employees," he explained.

"I pledge to be strongly engaged in strengthening the social dimension of monetary union and of the European Union as a whole."

Finally, reaction came from German deputy Michael Cramer, of the Greens/EFA group, who will now head up the transport and tourism committee.

"My goal is to be a positive force in ensuring the committee pushes for sustainable, safe and affordable transport across Europe" - Michael Cramer

He said, "I would like to thank my colleagues for the trust they have put in me by supporting my candidacy for chair of the transport committee.

"My goal is to be a positive force in ensuring the committee pushes for sustainable, safe and affordable transport across Europe and that our work is carried out in as transparent and fair a manner as possible.

Cramer concluded, "Strengthening the role of the European parliament vis-à-vis the other EU institutions and EU governments will also be a priority over the coming term."

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