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Ribera Faces Scrutiny over Storm Response
Teresa Ribera faced harsh criticism from the EPP and far-right groups over her handling of a storm in Spain, questioning her suitability for the European Commission. Ribera defended her actions and highlighted the regional government's failures in responding to the warnings.
Spanish
Spain
Climate ChangeEuropean UnionGovernmentControversyClimateEuropean PoliticsCriticism
European People's Party (Epp)VoxSpanish GovernmentEuropean CommissionAgencia Estatal De Meteorología (Aemet)
Teresa RiberaManfred WeberJorge BuxadéDolors MontserratUrsula Von Der Leyen
- What actions did the EPP suggest taking regarding Ribera's nomination?
- The EPP hinted at requesting further answers from Ribera in the Spanish Congress, potentially delaying the confirmation process even further. Manfred Weber, EPP president, expressed concerns about the need for political and legal security regarding Ribera's nomination.
- How did the examination compare to others for candidates to the European Commission?
- Ribera's examination was one of the most difficult among candidates, with Spanish opposition focusing on the Dana storm's handling and other unrelated issues. While most other EU groups concentrated on her plans for competition and the automotive sector, Spanish opposition used the opportunity to attack her.
- How did Teresa Ribera respond to the accusations regarding her handling of the Dana storm?
- Ribera defended her actions, stating that the national government had issued alerts, but the regional government (PP-led) responsible for citizen response failed to act accordingly. She emphasized that the failure was in local response to alerts, not the alerts themselves.
- What were some key elements of Ribera's planned policies and her position on nuclear energy?
- Ribera's portfolio includes competition and the green transition, and her stance on nuclear energy is that each European country should decide based on its circumstances. She stressed the importance of simplification of state aid rules and collaboration within the commission.
- What were the main criticisms against Teresa Ribera during her European Parliament examination?
- The European People's Party (EPP) and far-right groups criticized Teresa Ribera's handling of the Dana storm in Valencia, questioning her suitability for the European Commission post. They suggested further delays in the confirmation process to obtain additional explanations.