{"id":419,"date":"2020-10-12T12:54:32","date_gmt":"2020-10-12T10:54:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.enfgroup-ep.eu\/?p=419"},"modified":"2020-11-04T13:04:59","modified_gmt":"2020-11-04T12:04:59","slug":"419-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.enfgroup-ep.eu\/media\/","title":{"rendered":""},"content":{"rendered":"
Since the first direct elections, the European parliament expanded significantly from 410 MEPs (1979) to 751 (2014) mainly due to the ascension of new member states and the Lisbon Treaty.<\/p>\n
European Parliament has drawn up a report which aims at reshuffling its composition. Due to Brexit, European Parliament also has to decide on how to deal with the 73 British seats during the next term. Parliament will be voting on the legislative proposal stating to maintain and to redistribute a number of British seats as well as the establishment of transnational constituencies.<\/p>\n
The ENF is against the use of British seats and against transnational constituencies.<\/p>\n
The ENF argues for a reduction to 678 MEPs on the assumption that Brexit gives the opportunity of a corresponding reduction in Parliament\u2019s operating costs.<\/p>\n
On the issue of the transnational list, our opposition is clear and firm as it would create two different class of MEPs and would give the false impression of a more democratic Parliament. The \u2018Spitzenkandidaten\u2019 process is neither a contribution to transparency nor will it strengthen political awareness of European voters. Introducing such a system is a way to legitimize the belief that the system of the Spitzenkandidaten would be a \u2018so-called\u2019 democratic election of the President of the Commission, while, in fact, it continues to be an indirect imitation of a direct election by the population as a whole. These matters are to be dealt with on a national level, with respect for the cultural and political diversity of European nations and their voters. A transnational constituency neglects this and can in no way be an expression of this diversity, but actually is an additional manoeuver to enforce the compulsory federalism against the will of people and nations.<\/p>\n
Press conference by Nicolas BAY (ENF, FR) and Marcel de GRAAFF (ENF, NL), ENF Group Leaders: ENF press briefing<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact:<\/strong>
\nTom Vandendriessche
\n+32 479 77 81 01
\ntom.vandendriessche@ep.europa.eu<\/p>\n<\/div>\n