Commenting on the recent statements of Commissioner Oettinger, ALDE Group leader Guy Verhofstadt said:
Commenting on the recent statements of Commissioner Oettinger, ALDE Group leader Guy Verhofstadt said:
„We will scrutinise Commissioner Oettinger’s behaviour during his parliamentary hearing in the Budget Committee. Not only will we examine if he is apt for taking up the role as Vice-President of the Commission, we will also question him thoroughly on his recent remarks.”
ALDE first VP Sophie in ‘t Veld added: „The purpose of the confirmation hearings is not just to assess candidates for their technical expertise, but also their adherence to the values of the European Union. The Commission as custodian of the Treaties is supposed to lead by example, certainly at a time where trust in the institutions is low. Racist, sexist or homophobic „locker-room talk” is not acceptable behaviour of a European Commissioner. At his hearing Mr Oettinger will have to convince us he genuinely respects European Values.”
