The President of the Socialist Party, Elio Di Rupo has written a letter to the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, informing him of his discontent regarding comments made by European Commissioner for Digital Economy, Günther Oettinger. The latter referred to Wallonia as a “micro-region led by communists, which blocks all of Europe,” in the framework of the signing of the free trade treaty between the European Union and Canada (CETA).
Insisting on the “remarkable democratic work” that the treaty gave rise to before finally being accepted by Wallonia, Elio Di Rupo considers that “many parliaments and institutions (including European ones) could very well find inspiration in this case”. “The analysis done and the great debate held at the Walloon Parliament allowed reconciling citizens with the political debate,” he stated.
The President of PS therefore considers the words of Commissioner Oettinger as “injurious and inappropriate”, as well as “insulting” regarding Walloon citizens, organized civil society and democratically elected representatives.
Elio Di Rupo affirms that the PS “is not at all communist” and that believing that Wallonia is led by such persons “reveals ignorance that is serious and cause for concern regarding one of the founding countries of the European Union.”
The former Prime Minister therefore proposes that Mr. Juncker issue a serious warning to his commissioner.
(Source: Belga)
