Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats
In the light of recent developments in Romania and in other European countries, the Socialists and Democrats call on the Commission to carefully monitor the use of emergency legislation – and to be ready to take action if it is misused.
In both Romania and Slovenia, governments of different political families have made extensive use of emergency legislation in recent years. This practice is often used to prevent the opposition from presenting their ideas at crucial times. Hannes Swoboda, the President of the S&D Group, has just visited Slovenia and held talks with the Socialists and Democrats and the Positive Slovenia Party.
Commenting on the latest developments in Romania and Slovenia, Hannes Swoboda said:
"All EU member states must respect democratic principles. The misuse of emergency legislation in situations where there is not a real emergency must be prevented. The EU Commission has an important role in monitoring whether this practice is misused in EU countries.
"As the guardian of the Treaties, the EU Commission is responsible for ensuring that EU laws and values are respected and obeyed. The Commission's role is particularly important in Romania where democratic practices are currently being evaluated.
"However, the Commission should also look at other countries such as Slovenia where we have seen an alarming increase in the use of emergency legislation recently."
He concluded by reiterating the strong stance of the Socialists and Democrats on defending EU laws and values:
"Our Group has always been at the forefront on defending EU laws and values. This goes beyond questions of country and political colour. We fully trust the Commission to come up with recommendations for Romania and to carefully monitor developments in other EU countries too.
"It is important that when it comes to democratic rights we continue to make progress rather than taking a backward-looking approach."
S&D Press contact: Utta Tuttlies
Head of Press and Communications
Spokesperson of the Group Leader
+ 32 2 284 37 44
+ 33 3 88 17 29 98
+ 32 473 85 34 07
Contact
SWOBODA Johannes (Hannes)
+ 33 3 88 17 57 16
+ 33 3 88 17 97 16
+ 32 2 284 57 16
+ 32 2 284 97 16
hannes.swoboda@europarl.europa.eu
+ 33 3 88 17 57 16
+ 33 3 88 17 97 16
+ 32 2 284 57 16
+ 32 2 284 97 16
hannes.swoboda@europarl.europa.eu
Associated media
Hannes Swoboda: 'Commission must defend EU laws and prevent the misuse of emergency legislation in member states.' Commenting on the latest developments in Romania and Slovenia, Hannes Swoboda said: 'All EU member states must respect democratic principles. The misuse of emergency legislation in situations where there is not a real emergency must be prevented. The EU Commission has an important role in monitoring whether this practice is misused in EU countries'
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