Plenary focus - October II

The Polish government is trampling on the cornerstones of democracy. The ruling of the judiciary on Articles 1 and 19 TEU shows that the separation of powers is no longer in place. The judiciary is acting in the government’s interests. The EU must not hesitate any longer. Democracy must be defended and the Polish far-right put in its place.

The Pandora Papers leaks are the latest example of an endless list of tax scandals. And the European Union must be held accountable for this worldwide gang theft as it persistently refuses to take action against tax dodging. Our group has successfully initiated a resolution for this plenary session and is now asking for a Committee of enquiry. The Left will also keep fighting for three main demands : full tax transparency, a credible blacklist of tax havens and a global minimum corporate tax rate of 25%

Europe is the global leader in climate action yet we go to Glasgow with a commitment that is not fit for 1.5C. We can do better and we must do it now. The EU and member states need to devote more resources and ambition to effective, science based and socially just climate action.

Pushbacks have become mainstream policy in Europe. The latest journalistic investigation in Croatia evidences once again the sadistic and degrading violence inherent to pushback practices. We have to strongly resist the normalisation of these practices. The right to asylum in Europe is under attack every day and we will always stand together to defend it!

While much of the focus regarding Poland right now lies on the constitutional court ruling that puts Polish law above EU law, we must not forget the ruling the same court made a year ago, which had a direct impact on women’s lives – the de facto total abortion ban. We will continue to stand in solidarity with women in Poland and in all other countries and insist on every woman’s right to decide over her own body.

As millions of European buildings over the next decade will be climate renovated as part of the Green Deal ‘renovation wave’, European construction workers will risk being exposed to the past’s massive use of asbestos. It requires action now. I insist that the green transition in Europe must ensure a safe working environment. Noone should die from going to work.

A food system that functions within the carrying capacity of our earth is in the interest of animals, nature, the environment and our health, as well as in the interest of farmers. Despite the unseemly lobby practices by industrial agribusiness representatives, we will continue our fight for sustainable food systems, animal rights & welfare, healthy diets and a sustainable future for local farmers. The Farm to Fork report that we have been working on for more than a year, provides an excellent starting point for the changes needed to achieve a truly sustainable food system.

Many human rights violations have been revealed in the functioning and conduct of Frontex missions. This Wednesday, MEPs will vote on the budgetary discharge of this body. The European Parliament cannot be complicit. We will not be complicit.