For CDU Communists, There’s Something About Russia
Over the past five years, Portuguese communist Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Sandra Pereira and João Pimenta Lopes have not supported any of the 16 resolutions condemning Russia. This makes them notable among the 30 MEPs identified by Politico as frequently opposing such resolutions.
Dishonorable Silence Throughout Europe
According to Jornal da Madeira and the Expresso, Politico's analysis spanned the entire legislative period, identifying the MEPs who most often refused to support critical resolutions against Russia. Topping the list was Latvian MEP Tatjana Ždanoka, who faced accusations of spying for Russia, though she denied the allegations, claiming to be "an agent of peace." Following an investigation, the European Parliament fined Ždanoka 1,750 euros for violating the code of conduct. She consistently voted against 15 of the resolutions, abstaining only once in April 2023, regarding the repression of Russian opposition figures Alexei Navalny and Vladimir Kara-Murza.
Far-Left And Far-Right Political Parties Protect Russian War Of Terror Against Civilians
Sandra Pereira, second on the list, opposed 14 resolutions and did not vote on two. João Pimenta Lopes, sixth on the list, voted against 12 and was absent for four. Both are candidates for the upcoming European Parliament elections in Portugal, representing the CDU, with João Oliveira leading the list. The Left political group in the European Parliament, to which these communist MEPs belong, includes nine deputies identified as sympathetic to Russia. In contrast, the far-right Identity and Democracy (ID) group has ten members on the list, with six from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which faced suspension in May after various controversies.
See the full list on Politico.eu
Extreme Right Is Divided About The Russian Terror Regime
Irish left-wing MEPs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace, facing uncertain re-election prospects, opposed a resolution calling for a tribunal to prosecute Russian leaders for aggression against Ukraine. An Irish Times investigation in 2022 revealed that these MEPs have received significant coverage from state-controlled media in Russia, China, and other countries, often being seen as supporters of those governments' policies.
These voting patterns highlight "deep divisions within the groups," particularly among the radical right, as noted by Politico. In the ID group, AfD members mostly abstained or opposed the resolutions, while members of Front National (led by Marine Le Pen) supported only a quarter of the texts. Italian League members largely backed anti-Russia texts, and Danish MEP Anders Vistisen, who represented the ID in pre-election debates, recorded only abstentions and "Yes" votes.
Sources: Jornal da Madeira, Expresso, Politico
Care for a share?
Comments