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EU Commission Candidate Hearings
The European Parliament interviews candidates for the European Commission, with the potential for candidates to fail and the Hungarian Prime Minister's influence playing a significant role.
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Germany
PoliticsElectionsGermany European UnionGovernmentCommission
European ParliamentEuropean CommissionEuGovernment Of Hungary
Ursula Von Der LeyenViktor OrbánOliver VarhelyiHajla LahbibEkaterina Zaharieva
- What happens if a candidate fails the parliamentary test?
- If a candidate fails the parliamentary test, their home country is asked to submit a new candidate. This new candidate then undergoes the same three-hour questioning process. The parliament has rejected candidates six times since 2004.
- Which candidates are considered weak or at risk of failing the test?
- Several candidates face potential difficulties. Oliver Varhelyi (Hungary), Hajla Lahbib (Belgium), and Ekaterina Zaharieva (Bulgaria) are among those facing scrutiny. Glenn Micaelf (Malta) is also considered a weak candidate due to his lack of experience.
- What role does Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán play in the process?
- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán could delay the new Commission's start if the Parliament rejects the Hungarian commissioner. Orbán opposes the EU and might use this as leverage, potentially causing a prolonged blockage.
- What are some of the changes and new priorities of the future European Commission?
- The new European Commission, under Ursula von der Leyen's second term, includes new commissioner roles focusing on defense, animal welfare, housing, and the Mediterranean region. The Commission's emphasis has shifted toward strengthening the European economy during the transition to climate neutrality.
- What is the process for the European Parliament's questioning of candidates for the European Commission?
- The European Parliament is interviewing candidates for the European Commission. Candidates are questioned on their professional background, financial interests, and ethical conduct. Failure to pass the questioning can lead to the candidate's rejection.