Brussels: Three Cypriot MEPs voted in favour of the approval by the European Parliament of the new College of Commissioners and three against. In short statements, they explain the reasons which led them to their decision.
According to Cyprus News Agency, EPP MEP Loucas Fourlas expressed his support for the new College of Commissioners, emphasizing the necessity for the Commission to commence operations on December 1st to enable the EU to begin producing work. He highlighted that the Commission’s performance would be evaluated based on its future actions. Similarly, EPP MEP Michalis Hadjipantela noted that the hearings were insightful, with candidates displaying substantial knowledge and commitment. Despite acknowledging individual weaknesses, Hadjipantela expressed confidence in the Commission’s capability to meet EU expectations and priorities.
Costas Mavrides, a member of the S and D party, also supported the new Commissioners, aligning with the decision of the Political Alliance of Socialists and Democr
ats. He mentioned consulting with the Democratic Party (DIKO) leadership before casting his vote in favour.
Conversely, George Georgiou from the Left Group opposed the new Commission, citing its inability to address critical issues such as militarization, wars, unemployment, and corruption. He criticized the hearings for revealing deficits and inconsistencies among the Commissioners-designate and condemned the evaluation process of Vice-Presidents as a failure due to political horse-trading.
Conservative and Reformist MEP Geadis Geadi also voted against the new Commission’s composition, though he acknowledged several Commissioners positively. He expressed dissatisfaction with specific Commissioners, such as those for the Mediterranean and Climate Action, despite supporting Cypriot Costas Kadis’s election as Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans.
Independent MEP Phidias Panayiotou opposed the Commission’s approval, criticizing the democratic process of selection and the inability of MEPs to vote on individu
al Commissioners. He described the selection as secretive and dominated by Ursula von der Leyen and national ruling parties, arguing for a more democratic approach.