French stupidity … (on the lists of MEPs)
(Published in Ouest-France in a short version) Most of the French political parties, socialists and UMP in the lead, are in the process of committing a big mess in their lists for the next European elections. Worker MPs, recognized by their influential peers, were not automatically rewarded. This for obscure reasons of internal politics, difficult to grasp for the neophyte especially seen from Europe.
The "stupidity" of the PS. On the side of the PS, the most striking example is that of Gilles Savary, a recognized specialist in maritime transport, who was simply excluded from the lists (he was offered a place of 5th ineligible in favor of a glorious stranger who has the "only talent to be first secretary of a departmental federation"). Another example: that of Anne Ferreira, placed eighth on the list (therefore ineligible), who is one of the only French deputies on the environment committee (main committee in this sector where most of the legislation comes from Europe). In short, in the PS, in the name of arbitrages of currents, the bonus has often been given to "those who only put down their coat to sign the attendance sheet" (they will recognize each other) or to glorious strangers (perhaps valid but who are "blues" in the European Parliament).
On the right, it's not (really) better. If Alain Lamassoure, cador of institutional affairs, and Jean-Paul Gauzès, ace of the financial circuit, have been fished out, they are not assured of their seat (Lamassoure is in 3rd position in the south-west, a delicate position in the opinion of all).
A dead loss for the French
A misunderstanding of Parliament. The UMP, but above all the PS, did not really understand the primordial role of the European Parliament – which influences all national legislation – nor the importance of having MPs in Strasbourg who knew all the tricks of the function. This makes it possible to influence the votes, the amendments, the texts. And get the important reports. These, explains a regular of the bays, are often distributed "between elders".
Delay in battle. Worse, the French parties arrive a little late. The British and Germans, for example, have already put together their list for several weeks (since November even lists have been circulating in Parliament). And discreet negotiations have already begun to distribute the key positions of the future Parliament: committee chairman, coordinator. On the French side, the UMP but especially on the side of the PS, will therefore arrive after the battle. In addition with inexperienced and unknown troops for the most part. Well done !
To be influential in Parliament...
There are not ten methods: there are two.
1) Either you are hardworking, and present (but really present), and by dint of work, sense of proposal and spirit, you manage to acquire from other deputies, the necessary esteem which allows you to carry an opinion decisive. Apart from those already mentioned, this is the case of a JL Cottigny or Pervenche Bérès (at the PS), a Françoise Grossetête (UMP), a JL Benhamias or JM Beaupuy (Modem) or a Hélène Flautre (Greens)... (non-exhaustive list - forgive me those I forgot).
2) Either we have an important political background or "mouth". This makes it possible to weigh in the debates. A former Prime Minister, Rocard type, or a Jack Lang, probably has a little more grip and presence than an X or Y. The UMP has understood this with the presence in these ranks of heavyweights like Michel Barnier ( former European commissioner, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Agriculture) or Catherine Colonna (former Minister of European Affairs and spokesperson for Jacques Chirac) capable of imposing. The Greens also with Cohn-Bendit, José Bové, Eva Joly have a good dream team more media than technical. But that too is important. The PS has almost no leader of this caliber...
NB: In Strasbourg or Brussels, it is not enough to organize a lunch with a few journalists, to have a look at the "press bar" or the "deputies' bar", or to plant your beautiful blue eyes in a corridor, with a glimmer of intelligence, to "be". The "appearance" is quickly unmasked and quickly has no real weight in the discussions. And the intruder can go get dressed (literally and figuratively).