24 November 2014
Speaking in the European Parliament debate on a motion of censure against European Commission President Juncker, eurorealist European Conservatives and Reformists Group vice-president Ryszard Legutko called on the Commission President to resolve the questions surrounding the ‘Juncker problem’ swiftly.
Speaking in the European Parliament debate on a motion of censure against European Commission President Juncker, eurorealist European Conservatives and Reformists Group vice-president Ryszard Legutko called on the Commission President to resolve the questions surrounding the ‘Juncker problem’ swiftly.
Professor Legutko also warned President Juncker against using this issue as an opportunity to pursue an agenda of EU tax harmonisation.
He said:
“There is such a thing as the Juncker problem. Let’s admit you didn’t make a good start.
“I am not convinced by what you have said today. I do not get the feeling that you have any pangs of conscience at all.
“We really need full information about the special tax agreements and all the possible ramifications. And when I say we, I mean the people of Europe against whom these agreements were directed, including my own country which lost many billions of euros as a result of the unethical ingenuity of the leaders of Luxembourg. That’s not a minor issue.
“It’s also good for you President Juncker. Whatever you do as President of the Commission, the shadow of this scandal will follow you with your name attached to it until the matter is settled once and for all.
“Who should do the investigating and explaining? Of course the authorities of Luxembourg and independent international forums such as the OECD. I feel uneasy about the commission, with you at its helm, investigating the case. I am deeply attached to the Roman principle ‘no one is to be a judge in his own case’, so I believe we cannot violate this principle without making a laughing stock of ourselves.
“It is unacceptable to seize this opportunity to push ahead with tax harmonisation. Not now if ever at all. Not under this pretext. Not in the state the EU is in now. And certainly not with the commission under your leadership.”
ENDS