Is Anyone Listening?

European Parliament Magazine, 18 October 2004

I had followed the career of Rocco Buttiglione and expected some "politically incorrect" statements at is hearing what we got were some of the most anachronistic statements I've heard from a senior European politician in a long time, more worryingly a clear break from current justice commissioner. The tone was set by Buttiglione's views on marriage, that homosexuality was a sin and that the solution to the great issues facing the EU today - the falling birth rate - should be laid at the door of working women too set on their careers rather than producing babies.

On policy, in response to my question, he favoured transit camps and white lists of "safe" countries fro asylum seekers. Neither had been acceptable to Vitorino.

The hearing revealed a politician with an anachronistic world view carving out a domestic Italian niche with too little appreciation of the broader JHA agenda. Moral vies in the most sensitive area of justice, freedom and security do matter. Should he be confirmed? My answer is he ought to be moved to a different portfolio.

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