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The 2009 European elections are
rapidly approaching. There is almost a demob atmosphere as MEPs
begin to prepare for either leaving the Parliament permanently or
to fight the elections.
Some delegations are still deciding
on their candidate lists but rumours suggest that there may be a
turnover of up to half of the elected members. One thing is certain
and that is uncertainty. The political make up of the Parliament
will only become clear after the elections.
The changes will affect the
political groups as well as individual members. The British
Conservatives are negotiating their way out of the EPP group to
form a new right coalition that is likely to involve the Polish Law
and Justice Party, the Danish People's Party and some Italian and
Swedish members. Fianna Fail may join the Liberal group. The
Italian members currently within the UEN group seem set to join the
EPP whilst the Italian Socialist delegation is likely to split
between staying with the Socialist group and moving to the Liberal
group. After the elections the Parliament will still have the four
main groups, but there will be new alliances. Will the European
Free Alliance stay with the Greens? Will there be a UEN group in
the next Parliament? There are many unanswered questions. No wonder
the political groups are calling their members back a week early to
start the process of group creation and
leadership.
There is also keen competition over
the Presidency of the Parliament. From the right, the Italians and
others are backing Mario Mouro for the Presidency whilst others are
backing Jerzy Buzek. On the left Martin Shultz looks a strong
contender whilst the Liberal Graham Watson is seeking selection.
However, no women are being promoted in these discussions. Of the
26 past and present Presidents of the European Parliament, only two
have been female, Simone Veil and Nicole Fontaine. Would it not be
good for the Parliament to have a female President for at least
part of this new session? We are rightly putting pressure on the
Commission to have more women Commissioners but we should look at
the Parliament too.
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Editorial - April 2009
