Arizona opposition questions procedure for Lahbib's European Commissioner candidacy
Several parties from the outgoing government are raising concerns about foreign minister Hadja Lahbib's (MR) candidacy for the role of European Commissioner, particularly focusing on the procedure used to nominate her. Groen and the Socialist Party (PS) have expressed skepticism about how this process was handled.
On Monday, MR chairman Georges-Louis Bouchez announced that Lahbib, rather than the current Commissioner Didier Reynders, would be the party's candidate for European Commissioner. Outgoing prime minister Alexander De Croo had previously indicated that the decision on a new candidate was up to the parties involved in the Arizona coalition negotiations, effectively placing the responsibility with the MR.
However, the formal approval of the candidacy must come from the current government. As a result, the core cabinet is scheduled to meet on Monday evening at 20:00 to discuss the matter.
"This is a procedure that should involve parliament, not just the parties or party leaders"
"The least you can expect is that the current government, which manages day-to-day affairs and interacts with the Commission, has a chance to exchange ideas about this," said deputy prime minister Georges Gilkinet. He added, "This is a procedure that should involve parliament, not just the parties or party leaders."
Two candidate names
Additionally, some have pointed out that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had requested that each member state submit two names for consideration. "This would allow von der Leyen to make a choice," a source noted.
Meanwhile, the opposition party PVDA is calling for a vote in the Chamber on Lahbib's appointment. "There must be a democratic debate. It is not acceptable for five parties negotiating behind the scenes to assume they have the right to decide unilaterally," said PVDA chairman Raoul Hedebouw. His party has also raised substantive concerns about Lahbib's stance on Israel. Moreover, both the PS and the Greens have previously questioned Lahbib's credibility, particularly in light of her involvement with an Iranian delegation at a conference in Brussels.
Foreign minister Hadja Lahbib ©PHOTO ALAIN ROLLAND / HANS LUCAS
Related news
