Should the EU Parliament have more power?
The MEPs who will be elected between 23 and 26 of May will be responsible for EU legislation together with the Council of Ministers. But only the EU Commission can propose new laws. Critics bemoan the democratic deficit and would like to see more power for the parliament. Commentators also point to shortcomings in EU institutions.
The Commission is far too powerful
The real power in the EU is not in its parliament, complains The Times of Malta:
“Millions of Europeans in the EU Member States are besieged by the vested interests of a club of fat cats that have ensured that the strong Member States get stronger at the expense of the weaker ones. ... So, despite the rotating presidency between the states, the core structures of the EU are intrinsically flawed. What is the point of having elected MEPs when they can be overruled by the Commission (not elected by the people) who rule the roost? What kind of democracy is this?”
MEPs not just there to rubber-stamp decisions
Expressen is also frustrated about the unfair distribution of power in the EU.
“Key powers - like taxation, defence and much of the law making - are still in the hands of the individual states ... That's why it is more important for the EU that the Commission president enjoys the trust of the European Council than that of the Parliament. ... The EU Parliament is entitled only to approve the new President. If the European Council proposes someone other than the victorious leading candidate then Parliament can veto it. That's why Swedish parties should be asked the following question: Will you watch silently if the EU Parliament is blackmailed?”