Meloni’s man Rafael Fito avoids political questions before the European Parliament in Brussels

This article was originally published in English

Italian candidate for Vice-President for Cohesion and Reform of the European Commission, rafael fittofocused on the technical aspects of its portfolio during a confirmation hearing on Tuesday European ParliamentSaying that he would not represent his party or his country.

“If I get into political issues, I will violate the code of conduct, because I’m going to do that represent the european commission for the next five years,” said Rafael Fito, nominated by georgia melloni,

Fitto during the hearing could not be found politically sensitive topic“It was like that elusive Like a fish,” one left-wing MEP joked to his colleagues after the hearing.

Although some MEPs tried to blame him for some right-wing political views espoused by his party, the Brothers of Italy, Fitto insisted on “his full and serious commitment to representing”. EU interests,

If confirmed for the post, Fito said he would represent the Commission and act in the interest of the entire EU. distance Of his party. “I will accept commitment Are serious about the EU, respect the EU treaties and the Commission’s code of conduct,” he said. “He didn’t even mention his party, Brothers of Italy,” another left-wing MEP said later.

Fitto defended himself when MEP Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle (Netherlands/Renew Europe) criticized him. voting history As MEPHe said, “You voted against the Article 7 process in Hungary, against better protection of women under the solidarity policy and in favor of claims that the rule of law policy seeks to undermine democratically elected governments.”

Fitto avoids taking any stance on controversial issues defended by his party in Italy

nominated commissioner He declined to discuss his opinions. policies, claiming that these positions are irrelevant institutional role It is expected that he will take charge in the European Commission.

The issue of withholding solidarity funds from Hungary was raised on several occasions. Brussels is currently withholding more than €6 billion of Hungary’s allocated share for violations of the rule of law. Fitto’s party Brothers of Italy has shown its power Serious With this solution.

Fitzroy firmly declared that “respect for the rule of law is an essential and founding principle of the European Union” and promised to “uphold it”. equal distance“With 27 governments. However, he avoided addressing the specific issue.

Italian MEP tried to talk to him on these matters domestic policyBut they did not succeed. Valentina Palmisano of the Five Star Movement (a party affiliated with The Left) questioned her position on an Italian reform that returns power to regional authorities, which she says harms the southern regions of the country. Mimmo Lucano of The Left criticized Rome’s decision to send some asylum seekers to a detention center in Albania.

Fitzroy avoided addressing these issues, defending his performance as Minister of European Affairs and responding to accusations of centralizing management. reconciliation fund,

He advocated doubling the budget Accommodation EU commits to strengthen European Social Fund by €7,000 to €14,000 million to tackle further deficit employment Planning was carried out in 27 member states. Regarding one major issue (the possible redirection of solidarity funds to military spending, as reported by the Financial Times) Fito said simply that will not be allowed As per current standards, Without specifying your personal situation About this.

Voting has been postponed

Final decision has been taken on Fitto and other nominated candidates delayedThis followed a compromise between the populists, socialists and liberals in the European Parliament, who agreed that voting should also be done as a group rather than individually. The intention is to avoid a domino effect in which if one candidate falls, it pulls down the rest in a kind of crossed veto which, ultimately, will delay the integration of the new Community Executive.