The hearing of the Belgian European Commissioner candidate, Didier Reynders (MR), on Wednesday morning was interrupted following a power cut in the European Parliament.
After his introductory statement, Reynders had the opportunity to answer some questions from Members of Parliament before this unexpected interruption. Power was restored at 10:30.
Reynders assured that he would not hesitate to act to defend the rule of law if he were threatened in an EU country. On the same subject, the Belgian candidate also expressed his readiness to continue the Article 7 proceedings against Poland and Hungary.
Reynders also addressed the corruption accusations made against him by a former State Security agent, denouncing the "malicious" action of a person who deliberately aims to harm him, according to Belga.
He affirmed his willingness to work closely with Parliament, and his European commitment. "I am one of those who want more and better for Europe," he said.
He said that his lawyer had refuted the charges against him and that the Public Prosecutor's Office had closed this case without further action, given the absence of an offence.
He also refuted the new complaint filed by this same ex-State Security agent for death threats. Denouncing the "malicious action", Reynders said he did not wish anyone to experience what he and his family had experienced over the past two weeks. "The rule of law is also the presumption of innocence," he said.
Maïthé Chini
The Brussels Times
