Critical Hearings Begin for Key European Commission Candidates Amid Political Tensions
On Tuesday, the European Parliament will conduct essential hearings for six candidates nominated as executive vice presidents of the European Commission, a significant step in affirming their roles in Brussels amidst a politically charged environment. The hearings are particularly critical for Teresa Ribera, the Spanish candidate vying for the executive vice presidency dedicated to a Clean, Just, and Competitive Transition, alongside her responsibilities regarding Competition.
The hearing for Teresa Ribera is set to start at 18:30 local time and is expected to span approximately three hours. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from committees focusing on Economic Affairs, Environment, Public Health, and Industry Research and Energy will engage her with questions. Additionally, each of the five other relevant committees - Internal Market, Employment, Transport, Regional Development, and Agriculture - will pose one question as well.
Post-hearing evaluations will occur behind closed doors at around 23:15 among coordinators from the three primary committees tasked with examining her suitability. Ribera's advancement hinges on receiving approval from at least two-thirds of these coordinators. Given the current parliamentary majorities, she requires the backing of the European People's Party (EPP) to secure her position; without their support, reaching that two-thirds threshold, or even a simple majority, appears unlikely.
EPP sources indicate that party leader Manfred Weber is in discussions with Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of Spain’s Popular Party (PP), to coordinate critical questioning regarding Ribera's handling of recent flooding events known as DANA in Spain. Additionally, Ribera's prospects are intertwined with the outcomes of other hearings scheduled for the same day, notably that of Italian candidate Raffaelle Fitto, whose selection has drawn ire from social democrats, liberals, and greens alike.
If significant criticism arises against Fitto during his hearing, it could force him to respond in writing or attend a second hearing, instigating a potential political domino effect that may affect the evaluations of Ribera, liberal candidate Stéphane Séjourné from France, and Finnish EPP candidate Henna Virkkunen. Should this scenario transpire, it raises the stakes significantly for Ribera and her peers, who could be placed under scrutiny again depending on the collective response from various parties.
Despite the tumult, predictions about outcomes remain uncertain. Some analysts suggest that social democrats and liberals might ultimately compromise and support Fitto due to associated risks with Ribera’s candidacy, given the potential fallout that could ensue should she be denied approval. Conversely, any missteps could provoke a backlash against multiple candidates, necessitating negotiations to salvage the collective appointments.
Ribera’s case is further complicated by the motivations of the Spanish PP, which is reportedly attempting to distance itself from her nomination backed by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. According to various media outlets, including El País, the PP has raised concerns within the EPP about Ribera’s qualifications. The EPP has committed to evaluating Ribera based on her performance during the upcoming hearing.
As the hearings unfold throughout the day, tensions are expected, particularly during Ribera’s examination, where a heated exchange with EPP members is foreseen. With a technical background and being a crucial figure for social democrats in a predominantly right-leaning Parliament and Commission, Ribera must navigate this landscape adeptly to secure her position.
Ultimately, the political choreography on Tuesday will set the stage for the future composition of the European Commission, with implications extending beyond individual candidates to broader inter-party dynamics as they negotiate complex agreements in anticipation of final appointments.
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