During the EP plenary session (3-6 April 2017) in Strasbourg, Political group leaders express themselves on the non-participation of Jeroen DIJSSELBLOEM, Eurogroup President at the EP debate. Statements by Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), Gianni PITTELLA (S&amp;D, IT), Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE), Gabriele ZIMMER (GUE/NGL, DE), Notis MARIAS (ECR, EL), Marcel de GRAAFF (ENF, NL), Guy VERHOFSTADT (ALDE, BE) and Antonio TAJANI, EP President.

TAJANI, Antonio (EPP, IT)

VERHOFSTADT, Guy (Renew, BE)

statement

Strasbourg

plenary session

WEBER, Manfred (EPP, DE)

PITTELLA, Gianni (S&D, IT)

LAMBERTS, Philippe (Greens/EFA, BE)

MARIAS, Notis (ECR, EL)

DIJSSELBLOEM, Jeroen

ZIMMER, Gabriele (GUE/NGL, DE)

Eurogroup (euro area)

de GRAAFF, Marcel (NI, NL)

Political group leaders statements on the non-participation of Jeroen DIJSSELBLOEM, Eurogroup President at the EP debate: extracts from the debate

SOUNDBITE (German), Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), I would like to express the fact that it is a scandal that the President of the Eurogroup, although the President of the Conference of Presidents unanimously called for this and you also passed on the wish for this as President of the European Parliament, the President of the Eurogroup feel it&rsquo;s not important to be in the European Parliament where we are debating important issues such as Greece. That is unacceptable behaviour Mr. President and it shows a lack of respect vis-&agrave;-vis the European Parliament and we would like you to express this please to the President of the Eurogroup.

SOUNDBITE (German), Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), We think it&rsquo;s not correct when he expressed views about those countries that where helped last year, that received assistance. That shows a lack of respect, particularly for those countries which are under this program. And we feel it is not compatible with Dijsselbloem staying in his position, we think he should resign.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Gianni PITTELLA (S&amp;D, IT), And Mr. Dijsselbloem, through that interview but also on earlier occasions, had shown that he hasn&rsquo;t got the right attitude to be the President of the Eurogroup. That is the position of the Socialist Group, that is the position of many socialist leaders and I hope that, that is the position of the Christian Democrat leaders as well who so far have been the real champions of Mr. Dijsselbloem.

SOUNDBITE (French), Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE), The attitude of the President of the Eurogroup I think is part of his conduct which is distinctive to the public, to the citizens and we see it now in relation to our Institution which is the very source of the rebellion of a greater number of citizens against our Institution. So I think it&rsquo;s important, as you said, that the Parliament presents its disagreement with this kind of arrogance.

SOUNDBITE (German), Gabriele ZIMMER (GUE/NGL, DE), Djisselbloem has an important role, particularly in implementing measures vis-&agrave;-vis certain countries in the European Union and he has no right then to refuse the MEPs on various occasions; and on the interview as well Mr Dijsselbloem is the wrong person for the Eurogroup and he should step down, he shouldn&rsquo;t wait until he&rsquo;s&rsquo; replaced by someone else.

SOUNDBITE (Greek), Notis MARIAS (ECR, EL), With the many statements he makes, his declarations, he has provoked all the people of Europe. He has provoked the Parliament and we believe he dent come along in order to accept his responsibilities, those are the facts. We think he should basically step down from the Eurogroup and that is the responsibility of the leaders of the European Union, so they should take their decisions. This man cannot be President of the Eurogroup, he cannot insult our people in this way.

SOUNDBITE (Dutch), Marcel de GRAAFF (ENF, NL), I support the criticisms that have been expressed towards Mr Dijsselbloem. It is a scandal, it&rsquo;s a lack of respect as the President said. Despite all the efforts that have been made in the countries of the South of Europe and despite all the misfortunes that people are living through because of the austerity policies. I also agree with what Mr Pittella said, it&rsquo;s a scandal the way he talked about women, and I think that we have to express this criticism in a letter to be sent to Mr Dijsselbloem.

SOUNDBITE (English), Guy VERHOFSTADT (ALDE, BE), It&rsquo;s very good I agree with what Mr Weber has said and the other colleagues, but let&rsquo;s also take the consequences of it. We can solve it in the coming years by making a permanent President (of the Eurogroup) member of the Commission accountable to this House.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, I am proud to preside over a Parliament where there is unanimous rejection of this attempt by the President of the Eurogroup to show disrespect on us, to turn down an invitation from the representatives of the European people. I will send a formal letter of protest to the President of the Eurogroup saying that the EP unanimously rejects his attitude, on behalf of someone who holds such an important office. (Applause)