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European Parliament’s new democracy committee slammed as undemocratic


The election of liberal Nathalie Loiseau as chair, along with her vice-chairs, to the new European Democracy Shield committee sparked criticism from far-right and independent lawmakers, who condemned a “backroom deal” appointment.

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The inaugural meeting of a new special committee of the European Parliament designed to protect democratic processes was criticised by independent and right-wing lawmakers excluded from the process of appointments as a result of the chamber’s unofficial ‘cordon sanitaire’.

At the meeting of the so-called European Democracy Shield (EUDS) on Monday, MEP Nathalie Loiseau (France/Renew) was elected chair, as predicted by Euronews, while vice-chairs were allocated to MEPs from the two largest political factions of the centre-left and right: the Socialists & Democrats (S&D) and the European People’s Party (EPP). 

Committees form the backbone of parliamentary work, preparing amendments to the Commission’s legislative proposals before presenting them for a plenary vote. Chairing a committee allows some influence over the direction of these proposals. 

In line with the formation of parliamentary committees last July following the establishment of the new European Parliament, far-right factions were excluded from any chair or vice-chair positions, frozen out by a “cordon sanitaire” of the larger pro-European parties which distributed the roles among themselves, leaving smaller groups unable to challenge the decisions. Patriots for Europe, the third largest political force in Parliament with 86 MEPs, were notably affected. 

Verbal sparring over claims of undemocracy

“Interesting, we did communicate that we were nominating someone on behalf of our group. Being the third-largest group in this house, you would think we’d get the floor first,” said Dutch MEP Marieke Ehlers on behalf of the Patriots, reflecting the convention that speaking rights in committees or plenary sessions are granted in order of group size. 

“What we have witnessed today is nothing more than a farce, an insult to the very principle this committee was created to protect: democracy and freedom,” said Patriots for Europe candidate António Tânger Corrêa, when moments later Loiseau was elected with 25 of 33 votes.

The Portuguese MEP, who claimed to have 40 years of experience in public service “fighting for democracy and freedom” said he’d been sidelined “not by lack of qualifications but by pure political exclusion,” calling the move undemocratic and a “disgrace for the European people”. 

“Let it be known today, democracy did not win,” the 72-year-old MEP continued. “Hypocrisy won.” 

“In a democracy, you need to have a majority, you know that? That’s why you didn’t get it,” retorted MEP Kathleen Van Brempt (Belgium/S&D), drawing loud applause. 

“Maybe some here wanted to be at the table because they feared being on the menu,” Loiseau said in a veiled reference to the erosion of the rule of law in EU countries where Patriots for Europe are in power, such as Hungary, adding: “But I hope that we will all be able to work together, in good spirit and dignity, and that citizens across Europe feel they can trust the impartiality with which we carry out our mission.” 

The Patriots also condemned the allocation of chair positions in the newly formed special committee on housing. “The Housing Committee of the European Parliament was set up. The Patriots, as the third-largest group, were once again prevented by the left from obtaining leadership roles. We are ready to work together. But those who voted for the cordon sanitaire bear a moral responsibility,” Hungarian MEP György Hölvényi wrote

YouTuber and MEP Fidías criticises ‘backroom politics’ after committee defeat

Cypriot YouTuber and MEP Fidías Panayiótou also expressed disappointment after losing an election for first vice-chair of the committee. He said in a video posted on X that he ran to challenge the current political system. “This is not how democracy should work. Politicians should be elected solely based on their ability,” said the 24-year-old. He lost to the Hungarian S&D candidate Csaba Molnár, a professor and former minister. 

In his election speech, Fidías predicted he wouldn’t win due to “backroom deals that arrange the positions in this parliament”. “This is democracy. In democracy, you either win or you lose,” Loiseau hit back.

“I don’t see this as a failure,” Fidías said on his video, after securing 11 of 33 votes, adding: “My other goal was to expose this ‘democratic way’ of doing things here.” 

The new special committee on the Democracy Shield will focus on reviewing current and planned EU tools to address possible foreign and domestic interference in democratic processes. Its aim is to propose solutions to strengthen the resilience of EU institutions. 



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