Hadja Lahbib has received added health-related competencies after a late-night deal was made in the European Parliament on Thursday to unblock the European Commissioner hearings.
The outgoing Belgian Foreign Minister is the unlikely winner from an agreement made on Wednesday evening between the main centrist parties EPP, S&D and Renew. They have all been at loggerheads over approving new members of von der Leyen’s cabinet, with the hearing process having descended into party political games.
Under the terms of this agreement, the Hungarian Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi, a close ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orbàn and member of the far-right group Patriots for Europe, will be confirmed for a second-term.
However, under the terms of the agreement he will receive scaled-down powers for the health portfolio. Lahbib will pick up the added competencies, notably on sexual and reproductive rights and health crises preparedness, such as pandemics.
MEPs argued that Varhelyi was unsuitable due to the Orbàn government’s hostility to abortion, as well as Budapest having turned to Russia and China for Covid-19 vaccines.
Lahbib’s role as Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality, fits in with these new competences, MEPs argued. As she was already approved after passing her hearing, the outgoing Belgian Foreign Minister will not have to be subjected to another round of questioning by MEPs.
It remains to be seen whether Varhelyi will abide by the agreement, which could further delay the process.
