Thursday, 19 February 2009

MEPs Walk Out On Vaclav Klaus

MEPs deaf to ideas not theirs?

At a meeting of the European Parliament today, 19th February, MEPs inculding the Labour Party booed a speech by Vaclav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, walking out to show their disgust. Yet this speech has been described as one of the best speeches ever given in the European Parliament, one that called for real debate over the meaning of Europe and the European Union.

An example of the reaction to this speech is Avril Doyle, a particularly fine example of Euro-MP mindset, who attacked President Klaus, her voice trembling, for trying to influence a second Irish referendum (although it is now heard from parliament staff that she was objecting to leaflets not the speech) .

Debate is a "recipe for chaos in our corridors", she screeched. (our emphasis)

"Please ensure that the bureau (the parliament's administration) does not allow it to happen again."

Other reactions to the speech can be read here.

The text of Vaclav Klaus' speech can be found here and the reaction of Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party, to the walk out can be seen here. Also one from Goddersvision.

2 comments:

ukipwebmaster said...

Klaus Václav speaks - Abridged version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqJEWaGFk9Q

katie stevens said...

At last someone says it as it is, just what the smug barons of Brussels need, a damn good shake up.

This man is a leader with clarity, well done Vaclav Klaus !!