Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, ejected a far-right Romanian MEP who disrupted a debate on abortion during the Ursula von der Leyen Commission candidacy discussion yesterday.
The new European Parliament has seen an increased presence of far-right representatives. According to recent reports from democratic MEPs, certain far-right members resort to intimidation tactics during speeches advocating for human rights, especially women’s rights.
In response to Von der Leyen’s speech, Renew group (liberals and centrists) leader Valérie Hayer made headlines by demanding the right to voluntary termination of pregnancy (abortion) be added to the European Charter of Fundamental Rights.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was re-elected on Wednesday out . Credit: Belga
Her request caused an uproar among far-right MPs, with Diana Iovanovici Sosoaca, a Romanian MP, repeatedly shouting interruptions.
"This is the third time you’ve done this, I ask that the ushers escort the member out," declared Roberta Metsola, backed by enthusiastic applause. However, carrying out the ejection proved challenging, prompting the President to repeat her demand.
