Thursday, 3 November 2016

Oettinger has lost his authority

Last week, the EU Commissioner Guenther Oettinger made some racist and noticeably stupid remarks during a public formal address to German business people. This was not his first encounter with arrogant foolishness. But this time he had targeted an official Chinese delegation, the gay community as well as the political leadership of Wallonia, in Belgium. That makes too many important targets.

As his remarks became known, through the social media, the man himself became a major embarrassment to the EU Commission. Jean-Claude Juncker felt compelled to advise his Commissioner that an apology was needed. Oettinger finally came out with a statement that he sees as a regret.


That´s not enough. These are trying times for the EU institutions. We expect the people in charge of the institutions to respond to the highest standards required for public office. Oettinger should be told to go. Discreetly but firmly. That´s the only way to deal with the jokers. The only way to properly lead the EU and re-establish its authority. 

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