Our position would have been exactly the same had any other European political party been concerned. Democratic principles do not change depending on who is under scrutiny.
The proposal argues that the Party may not comply with the values of the European Union. We fundamentally reject this approach. The values of the European Union include democracy, political pluralism and freedom of expression. Elected representatives must remain free to speak openly about the concerns of the people they represent, without the threat of administrative procedures or financial sanctions simply because their views challenge the political consensus.
The European Parliament proudly describes itself as the home of “Democracy in Action”. Democracy in action means confronting ideas through free debate and elections, not allowing public authorities to decide which political opinions are acceptable.
Political disagreements belong at the ballot box, not in administrative procedures.
Today, this vote concerns one political party. Tomorrow, it could concern another. That is why our position is not about one party. It is about defending democratic principles, whoever is concerned
