The German government leader calls the parliamentary decision on the EU supply chain law “unacceptable.” Following the President of Parliament, the Chairman of the European SPD also finds clear words for it.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) speaks with the media as he arrives at an EU summit in the building of the European Council. Photo: Harry Nakos/AP/dpa
Brussels (dpa) – Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing criticism from the Social Democrats for his statements regarding a decision by the EU Parliament on the supply chain law. “It is not appropriate for a national head of government like Chancellor Merz to criticize the European Parliament, which is not accountable to him, for a democratic majority decision,” said René Repasi, chairman of the Europe-SPD. The EU Parliament is not a “rubber-stamp organization” for the wishes of governments, the German politician added.
Merz had previously described the voting result on the EU supply chain law as a “fatal misjudgment.” “The decision made by the European Parliament yesterday is unacceptable,” Merz said in Brussels. He insists on loosening the regulations for companies. However, a corresponding compromise collapsed in the European Parliament on Wednesday. Many in the Parliament assume that especially Social Democrats voted against the compromise.
EU Parliament President also rejects criticism
This means that the Parliament must vote again on the content of the proposal in November. It could enter into crucial negotiations with the EU states for stricter or significantly weaker rules. SPD politician Repasi said that the SPD would also constructively contribute to this process to achieve a balanced outcome.
EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola has also rejected Merz’s criticism of the decision made by the institution she leads. “I would not question the democratic independence and the institutional authority of the Parliament to defend its position and represent the citizens,” Metsola said. (October 23)
