GUE/NGL President Gabi Zimmer has commented following the hearing of First Commission Vice-President designate Frans Timmermans.

“While at first sight Mr Timmermans made ​​a good impression at the hearing, we were disappointed by his refusal to acknowledge that the outgoing Commission's crisis management policies through the Troika were in serious violation of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights,” said Zimmer.

“How does he plan to properly assess the social impact of EU law making and policies and prevent human rights violations if he does not want to end austerity? We do not yet see in him an ally in the fight against poverty and social exclusion.”

She added: “The actions of the Troika have interfered with fundamental rights, social rights and plunged millions of people into poverty. The Commission has played no honourable role as part of the Troika. These violations must be avoided in the future and the social consequences of economic policies must be assessed in advance. The Left will constantly call on the Juncker Commission to meet their responsibilities in this respect.”

She added: “Together with national parliaments Mr Timmermans must look for ways to raise funds for urgently needed investment. After all, he admitted that our economy urgently needs to be supported in order to end the crisis. However, I strongly doubt that he will mobilise adequate money/funds against the resistance of the German Government.”

GUE/NGL Press Contacts:
Emily Macintosh +32 470 85 05 08
David Lundy +32 470 85 05 09
Gay Kavanagh +32 473 84 23 20
European United Left / Nordic Green Left
European Parliamentary Group