Liberal Leaders: Guy Verhofstadt would be best for President of European Parliament - Main contents
At the invitation of ALDE Party President Hans van Baalen MEP and Guy Verhofstadt MEP, leader of the ALDE Group in the European Parliament; liberal Prime Ministers and European Commissioners have met at the Egmont Palace in Brussels earlier today ahead of the European Council Summit of the same day.
Crucial topics have been discussed such as the current status of Brexit and the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement.
During their meeting ahead of the European Council earlier today in the Egmont Palace in Brussels, the EU liberal leaders discussed and strongly believe that it would be appropriate if the three institutions - Council, Commission and Parliament - reflect the balance of power in European politics and support Guy Verhofstadt for President of the European Parliament.
Following a joint statement with Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, the President of the ALDE Party Hans van Baalen said:
"The European Union faces several severe crises at once. There is the persistent economic crisis, the refugee crisis, the terrorist threats and the geopolitical instability in our neighbourhood. The liberal Prime Ministers in the Council want to see these crises resolved in an effective and efficient manner. We see the European Parliament as a reliable partner to make this happen.
Both Council and Parliament have always worked best if there is a broad consensus among the pro-European groups. Therefore, we think it would be healthy if the three institutions - Council, Commission and Parliament - appropriately reflect the balance of power in European politics.
The European Parliament will choose a new President on the 17th of January. We are sure its members will make a wise choice. The European Parliament is an honourable institution that deserves to be headed by someone who combines vision with extensive experience and the ability to build bridges across political divides. With Guy Verhofstadt, we have an excellent candidate who has these qualities.
FD.nl, 15 december 2016
Rutte steunt 'federalist' Verhofstadt als voorzitter Europees Parlement
Premier Mark Rutte steunt Guy Verhofstadt als volgende voorzitter van het Europees Parlement, hoewel de Vlaamse liberaal een vurig voorstander is van een federaal Europa en in dat opzicht een tegenpool van Rutte.
In politieke kringen in Brussel wordt de zeer ervaren en bevlogen ex-premier van België vanwege deze steun niet kansloos geacht. Binnen de grote fracties in het Parlement tekent zich geen consensus af over de opvolging van de huidige voorzitter, de Duitser Martin Schulz. De grote partijen brengen ook geen aansprekende kandidaten in het veld.
Machtsevenwicht
'Raad en Parlement hebben altijd het beste gewerkt bij consensus tussen de pro-Europese partijen. Daarom denken we dat het gezond zou zijn dat het machtsevenwicht in de Europese politiek behoorlijk tot uitdrukking zou worden gebracht in de drie instellingen, Raad, Commissie en Parlement', zo stelt partijvoorzitter Hans van Baalen namens de liberale leiders.
Express.co.uk, 15 december 2016
EU’s Brexit negoatiator in line for MORE power as he’s backed as Paliament PRESIDENT
EUROPEAN Union (EU) Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt could be handed more power after he was backed to become the new PRESIDENT of the European Parliament.
Liberal leaders are backing the Belgian MEP, who has openly criticised Britons who voted to leave the EU, and fired off childish tweets to bicker with UK MPs.
A joint statement from Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and the President of the ALDE Party Hans van Baalen said: “The European Union faces several severe crises at once. There is the persistent economic crisis, the refugee crisis, the terrorist threats and the geopolitical instability in our neighbourhood.
"The liberal Prime Ministers in the Council want to see these crises resolved in an effective and efficient manner.
"We see the European Parliament as a reliable partner to make this happen.