By Martin Banks - 7th September 2010
The story became the [revolt against the] fine rather than Barroso's state-of-the-union address
Claude Moraes
MEPs have welcomed parliament’s decision to shelve controversial plans to “fine” MEPs who did not attend commission president José Manuel Barroso's keynote speech.
However, deputies said parliament had scored a “spectacular own goal” over the affair.
Claude Moraes, a UK Socialist deputy, said, "It's crazy. The story became the [revolt against the] fine rather than Barroso's state-of-the-union address."
The u-turn comes after group leaders last Thursday decided to deduct MEPs one quarter of their daily allowance for non-attendance at Barroso's big set-piece speech.
But this decision was reversed on Monday at a meeting of parliament’s bureau, comprising its president Jerzy Buzek and 14 vice presidents.
Announcing the decision before Barroso's speech, Buzek said, "We looked at the matter and agreed that we need to beef up MEPs’ presence during debate. But we felt we need a bit more time to mull over the various possibilities."
MEPs had poured scorn on the idea and were quick to react to the change of thought.
UK Independence Party MEP Nigel Farage said, "By chopping and changing, the EU Bureau have brought their own house into disrepute, much more than I have ever done.
"Even ardent euro Federalists balked at fining MEPs for not attending Barroso's State of union speech - another PR disaster for the EU."
Moraes said, “This is the result of sustained pressure by MEPs who did not want to be patronised and pushed to the sidelines. But you have to say it represents an enormous own goal for the leadership of parliament.
“The story should have been about Barroso's speech, not about an issue of MEPs and money, yet again.”
He said pressure had been brought to bear on the bureau to change the decision, not least by S&D leader Martin Schulz.
His comments were echoed by UK Liberal Baroness Sarah Ludford who branded the idea "a silly wheeze too far."
She said, "I am glad they have dropped the idea and have seen sense.
"Clearly, the group leaders had a rush of blood but they have responded to an overwhelming ‘backbench’ rebellion."
She pointed out, however, that she still fully endorsed the long-established system under which MEPs can have their allowance deducted if they fail to attend a set number of electronic roll-call votes on legislative matters.”
"The difference is that this was a one-off idea for a specific speech by Barroso. In the event, the chamber was well attended for his speech but it could easily have resulted in a revolt by members.
"All this shows that any attempt to stage-manage attendance in parliament can be counter productive."
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