By Brian Johnson - 6th October 2004
The European Parliament’s socialists have voiced grave doubts about the suitability of Commissioner-designate Mariann Fischer Boel to head the EU’s agriculture portfolio.
Speaking after the Dane’s three hour confirmation grilling by MEPs on Wednesday, the centre-left group said they had serious reservations about Fischer Boel’s nomination.
And the socialists, the second largest group in the European parliament, have put off a final decision on Fischer Boel until after a full meeting of the 200 strong group.
"Our members on the committee expressed serious doubts about Ms Boel. They will present their strong reservations to the whole group and a final decision will be taken by the Group," said farm policy spokeswoman Katerina Batzeli.
The MEPs are concerned over what they see as Fischer Boel’s liberal approach to farming policy.
And they critisiced the Dane for lacking vision and having a laissez-faire approach to agriculture policy, accusing her of being unwilling to provide straight answers on major policy areas.
“Despite her background as a farm minister and a farmer, her performance was deeply discouraging", they said in a statement.
Several members of parliament’s agriculture committee complained about Fischer Boel’s “vague answers”, particularly on EU sugar policy, rural development and CAP reform.
Questions were also raised over a potential conflict of interest, as her husband runs a farm in Denmaerk which receives substantial EU subsidies.
“I am married to a farmer but never considered it as a disadvantage to the post,” said Fischer Boel.
“I am not hiding anything.”
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