The return of Bolkestein sows trouble...

(B2) The vote, on May 8, in the parliamentary committee for the return of health in the Services directive (ex-Bolkestein) is causing trouble in Parliament.

If Toine Manders (the Dutch liberal author of this nice dirty trick) struts about in the corridors, at Janelly Fourtou (UDF, member of the ALDE), we try as best we can, to explain that "no, the deputy has not passed the contentious amendment (172)". Or at least did not want to vote for it. Except that more than a pair of eyes saw him wave "Ola" with his Liberal and Democratic counterparts, raising or lowering his hand, according to his row neighbours, including the "little Bolkestein" (Toine Manders ).

The Frenchman from the UMP, Jacques Toubon (PPE-DE) published a furious communiqué, “protesting against the calling into question of the services directive”. He voted against this amendment (he also often voted with the Socialists during this vote). But abstained - with his Belgian colleague Marianne Thyssen - at the fateful moment of the vote on the report (or 2 votes were enough to overturn the majority).

Swedish Christian Democrat Charlotte Cederschiöld after issuing a victorious statement like “ it is the best voice to achieve free movement and also for patients, the best way to find care in the easiest way throughout the European Union and not only at home ". Before publishing a few hours later a to be corrected somewhat softening this ultra-liberal position.

Meanwhile, the leaders of the two main groups, the French Joseph Daul (for the Christian Democrats of the EPP, European People's Party) and the German, Martin Schulz (for the Socialists) had spoken together. " Mr Daul has confirmed to me that his group does not support the vote of its members. He remains faithful to the agreement he concluded with the socialist group and which provides for the exclusion of health services from the scope of the Services Directive »Assured Martin Schulz after this interview. " The attempt by some EPP members to resuscitate the Bolkenstein directive is totally irresponsible. It is really the worst service to be rendered to Europe, at a time when it is trying to regain the confidence of its citizens, to want to undertake a liberalization of social services of general interest Said Harlem Désir.

At the European Commission, perplexity seems appropriate even if there is still no official reaction. " The European Parliament has already expressed itself clearly on the exclusion of healthcare from the Services Directive and called for a specific proposal (on this issue). We have started a long consultation process. Rather than formulating any hypothesis, we will (therefore) wait for the vote in plenary to express ourselves. “Explained Philippe Tod, spokesman for European Commissioner for Health, Markos Kyprianou.