Around 70 Members of the European Parliament from different Groups have signed a petition for the President of the Eurogroup, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, to resign following certain statements about the behavior of the southern European countries during an interview with the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine which was published On Monday last week.
The President of the Eurogroup replied to a question about solidarity within the Eurozone, that
during the Euro crisis, Northern countries have shown solidarity to the countries affected by the crisis. As a Social Democrat, I attribute to solidarity an exceptional importance. “But who asks for solidarity, has also obligations. I can’t spend all my money on drinks and women and then ask for help.”
The statements triggered widespread criticism, but Dijsselbloem refused to apologize.
This morning the Popular Group of the European Parliament (EPP) publised their official view on the matter. EPP brings together the conservatives and Christian Democrats members of the Parliament.
“Europe has to stay together,” Manfred Weber (President of the EPP) said. “When you reflect on what Greek people, what the Italians, what Spanish, what most of its people have suffered during the last years. It is unacceptable that Dijsselbloem declarations taking them in a way that they are not ready to do any kind of reform. That behavior is unacceptable and that’s why the EPP asks Dijsselbloem to resign as Chair of the Euro Group”…”And is important to underline that he is a socialist, so if as socialists is doing such unacceptable statements its now time to resign”
The Dutch Socialist ends his term as President of the Eurogroup by January 2018. Then, a new President must be elected, be it the same Dijsselbloem or another person.
This scandal makes it at least difficult for the current President of the Eurogroup to be reelected.
Jeroen Dijsselbloem explained at the press conference held after the Eurogroup meeting on 20th March, that his party – the Socialist – lost the elections in Holland. While a new Minister of Economy is appointed, he said he will continue as Eurogroup Chair. On the other hand, he explained that he had been re-elected by the Economy Ministers of the EU member states as President of the Eurogroup and that his term in office will expire in January 2018. “Whatever happens to that point, it is not by me to say, but the Ministers of Economy members of the Eurogroup and what happens who will become the next President is already to be seen. ”
Image over the headline.- Jeroen Dijsselbloem (President of the Eurogroup). © European Council.
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