The image issue

The EU Commission should demonstrate they are in charge, in those matters they have authority to take decisions. And it should also be able to show a couple of positive actions. Both are urgent. The image remains the main battle field and it is deteriorating. That calls for a major change.

In support of democracy in Turkey

I have a lot of admiration for the Turkish people that dare to come to the public squares and streets to demonstrate for human rights and democracy. Besides this appreciation, there isn´t much we can do, here in Europe, to support their risky struggle. To recognise their courage is just a small gesture. It is however important. It is a way of saying that the current actions by the Turkish government do not respect the accepted democratic standards. And to that, we can add, with great concern, a very clear statement: if the authorities continue the current policy of mass repression that will generate, sooner or later, a major civil crisis. Too bad, as it will happen in a region that is already experiencing major disruptions and unacceptable levels of violence.

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. 

Back to the classics

"Silence is one of the great arts of conversation."

Marcus Tullius Cicero

On Turkey and Iraq

At the same time the offensive against the Islamic State terrorists moves on towards Mosul city, we have seen a very serious Turkish military build-up on the border areas with Iraq. Apparently the leadership in Ankara has decided to launch a major armed operation inside Iraq, as a means of stopping the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

This Kurdish group is seen as major threat by the Turkish government.

But one should be aware that any major military incursion into Iraq would further complicate a very delicate and dangerous situation. The Turkish authorities have the right to defend their borders. There is no ambiguity about that. However, they should refrain from getting deeply involved in the internal affairs of Iraq. That would add fire to the region. 

Juncker´s stress

As I watch and watch again yesterday´s joint EU-Canada press conference, here in Brussels, and feel sorry for Jean-Claude Juncker´s tirade against Wallonia and the whole of Belgium, I think of leadership. One of the key dimensions of leadership is the ability to handle pressure. This means one is able to remain serene even when the stress is intense. It also means that one should not pick a fight when there is no need to pick a fight. 

EU, Canada, Brexit and Trade Negotiations

The trade agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada, signed today in Brussels, took seven years to negotiate. This is a long time. However, we should note that there was good will on both sides and not too many marked differences in terms of the underlining economic philosophies. But trade agreements touch many details, they are complicated, slow processes. This is especially true for the EU because the European Commission has to keep all the member states on board as the discussions progress. That’s far from being easy and it is actually becoming even more difficult as we look ahead and take into consideration the current state of the Union.

In the circumstances, and following the Brexit decision, it seems rather improbable to reach an agreement with the UK within a two-year time frame, as required by the EU treaty. We might find ourselves confronted with never-ending ping-pong. Unless both sides are reasonable in their demands and state very clearly what they want to achieve as part of a mutually beneficial compromise. The discussions call for a wise, constructive approach. But the politicians, of either side, are rarely up to that task. They see it as a fight and then everyone loses. 

Rajoy, a temporary victory

Mariano Rajoy has just been confirmed by Spain´s Parliament as Prime Minister. He won the vote because the Socialist Party (PSOE) decided to abstain. After ten months of political uncertainties and drama, the country has now a full-fledged government.

But Rajoy, who has been Prime Minister since 2011 – in Spain the job is called President of the Government, to indicate the authority that is attached to it – starts his new mandate from a very weak power base. His party does not control enough votes in the Cortes (Parliament). This means he will have to look for compromise at the critical moments of his governance. Not easy, as Spain´s political scene is very fragmented. Moreover, there are many personal antipathies among the key party leaders. And Rajoy himself is not really a man that knows about bridge-building. He is too arrogant to be able to act as a good negotiator.

Rajoy´s term might be short-lived. Spain could have new general elections in a year or two. Fortunately, the economy is doing well and steadily recovering from the deep crisis it suffered a few years ago.

The state of politics

I just spent two full weeks in the Southwest of the US and also in Florida. I met a good number of local fellows and most of them did impress me. They are part of those who make America great, on a daily basis and anonymous manner.

I was in Fort Lauderdale the day of the last debate between Hillary Clinton and her republican opponent. As I watched their duel, I kept wondering about today´s politics in a democratic context. To be more precise, I couldn´t stop my continuous bewilderment as I was confronted – through the TV screen, of course – with the extreme and primary mediocrity of the Republican candidate.

I have friends that are Republican supporters. I respect their options. But in the case I was gazing at there was nothing I could find that would allow me to anchor a bit of respect. 

Out of my routine

My daily routines will be completely messed up  during the next two weeks. There will no real writing to be expected on this site...