“The policy towards Russia was one of the most spectacular disasters for which Germany is partly responsible; therefore they should take a back seat in the EU and not try to increase their power,” PiS MEP Ryszard Legutko said in the European Parliament during a debate with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz gave a programmatic speech at the European Parliament, where he demanded the abolition of the “unanimity rule” in key areas of EU policy.
We need more decisions from the EU Council, which will be taken by qualified majority, for example in the areas of foreign and fiscal policy. I will try to convince my partners on the council of this. To the skeptics, I would say, this is not unanimity or 100 percent. support for all decisions gives the greatest democratic legitimacy. On the contrary – it is the struggle for majority and alliances that characterize us as democrats. Finding compromises that take into account the interests of minorities is the right thing to do. This is consistent with our idea of a liberal democracy
Scholz explained his views on reforming the Union.
Berlin sets conditions
He again suggested that Berlin’s agreement to the expansion of the community depends on this reform.
It also seems to me necessary for the future that the principles of democracy and the rule of law are properly respected in the European Union. We must insist on that. So why not use this discussion about EU reform to demand that the European Commission be strengthened so that it can launch infringement proceedings when our values are not respected? I am thinking of fundamental values such as freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights
– added.
At the same time, the German head of government spoke out against attempts to make the EU the third superpower alongside the US and China.
Anyone who melancholy pursues the dream of a European world power (…) is stuck in the past
said Scholz.
However, the German chancellor ruled that the EU should step up its efforts to integrate its defense industry and joint ammunition purchases for Kiev.
Russia’s relentless aggression against Ukraine has shown us how important this awareness is
he stressed.
In relations with China, Olaf Scholz advocated “sensible risk reduction” without cutting ties.
Let’s not be intimidated by Russia and continue to support Ukraine. We do not want the law of the stronger to apply again in Europe
summed up the German Chancellor.
Response of Prof. Legutki
To understand Germany’s role in the EU, one must start with a fundamental question: what kind of political system is the EU? I admit it is a combination of oligarchy and tyranny of the majority. Parliament coexists as this tyranny of the majority. The Commission, on the other hand, is a typically oligarchic institution – unelected, with limited democratic legitimacy and unchallenged power
Professor Legutko said.
You want this body to gain more strength. The pillars of this European oligarchy are the greats among the member states. And the largest of them is Germany. They do what they want, they don’t consult with others and call that leadership. The voting system in the Council of the EU protects their interests and the chances of them being outvoted are slim
added the MEP.
He pointed out that among the many mistakes made by German governments, the most spectacular are the migration crisis and the recent security and energy crisis, “connected to the long tradition of (Germany)’s political romance with Russia.”
Today, Germans are bragging and promising to be good in the future. The problem with the big ones, though, is that they can promise what they want and then it’s easy for them to boast about no consequences
– Ryszard Legutko was ironic.
When I hear that the best option would be a gradual withdrawal of the right of veto and a ban on EU foreign policy, I do not believe my ears. The policy towards Russia was the most spectacular catastrophe of these great EU states. And those most responsible for it want even more power in foreign policy. So the logic is overwhelming: the more things we screw up, the more power we want. The logic should be the other way around: because you spoiled so much, we should check on you more. I have no illusions that Germany will correct its mistakes – Germany is too big, not humble enough
the politician judged.
If you could satisfy my curiosity, where in the treaties can we read about German responsibility for the Union? The only right thing for Germany is to take the back seats and, as political hygiene demands, let others do the work. You have tried, you have failed, you must retreat. Unless you think German leaders are like diamonds – eternal
concluded Legutko.
German attack on unanimity
Polish Law and Justice MEPs drew attention to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s speech at the European Parliament, which they interpreted in their posts on Twitter. Beata Szydło believed that the German leader demanded the introduction of the principle of majority voting when making decisions on the European Union’s foreign and security policy.
Chancellor Scholz officially announced that Germany was demanding the abolition of the principle of unanimity (i.e. veto power) when making decisions by EU countries on foreign and security policy issues. This is a violation of the basic principle of equality of EU countries and the way to turn the EU into a federation
wrote the former prime minister.
MEP Dominik Tarczyński, in turn, noted little interest in the German Chancellor’s speech at the European Parliament and posted a recording of the meeting, where you can clearly see many empty seats in the plenary hall of the European Parliament.
The speech of the German Chancellor in the European Parliament is underway. There is no great interest. Even among the EPP or socialists. Symbolic…
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pn/PAP/Twitter
Source: wPolityce