The tweet of too many Janez Jansa
(B2) Did the tweetomaniacal Slovenian Prime Minister slip up by posting an ultra-borderline tweet? In any case, it caused a certain opprobrium in Europe. But especially internally. much more dangerous
It all started on Thursday (14 October) with the publication by Janez Janša (SDS/EPP) of a tweet questioning the " puppets of Soros in the European Parliament ". And in particular the Dutch MP, Sophie In't Veld. She belongs to the Dutch centre-left liberal party D66, a member of the Renew parliamentary group (like La République en Marche in France).
The pet peeve of the Slovenian leader
This fervent activist for civil liberties and respect for the rule of law, is wrong to be at the head of a delegation from the European Parliament, on a mission on the rule of law in Slovenia. And since the beginning of the mission, he hasn't stopped criticizing her, with retweets of Nova24, television loyal to power. An old habit. Already in 2019, he had made his dissatisfaction abundantly known.
Nothing really surprising
The Slovenian leader loves to attack his enemies, his adversaries, head on. And he's compulsive-manic retweeting at arm's length, every hour. To wonder if he has time to think and lead the country! Only, this tweet with slightly anti-Semitic overtones provoked a major reaction, in Europe as in Slovenia. Such a reaction that Janez Jansa deleted it. Rather rare fact for the particularly touchy leader.
A lack of respect in Parliament !
European Parliament President David Sassoli (PD/S&D) reacted very quickly and forcefully, calling " emergency "Jane Jansa" to stop provocations against members of the European Parliament ". " Attacks against members of this house are also attacks against European citizens “he adds, invoking” mutual trust and respect ».
Slovenian ambassador to The Hague lectured
This tweet about MEPs is “ of bad taste » condemned in turn the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte (VVD / Renew). " I condemn him in the strongest terms possible.. "The Dutch government has also " send the message to the Slovenian ambassador stationed in the Netherlands, he said late Thursday evening. In formal terms, it's not a summons from the ambassador... But it looks very similar. NB: the D66 party to which Sophie In'tVeld belongs is a member of the government coalition.
Mind your own business !
The Slovenian leader does not let himself be defeated. Two hours later, he in turn lectures the Dutch leaders. " Well Mark [Rutte] don't waste time with ambassadors and media freedom in Slovenia. Together with Sophie in't Veld, protect [rather] your journalists [to prevent them] from being killed in the street. » Thus referring to the murder of the investigative journalist of RTL4, Peter R. de Vries, shot dead in the street on July 6, and died in hospital on July 15.
Respect for institutions is fundamental
The affair escalates. The President of the European Council Charles Michel (MR / Renew) sinks the highlight, late Thursday evening, at 22:56 p.m. Without mentioning the Slovenian Prime Minister by name. " Members of the European Parliament must be able to do their job freely without any form of pressure. Mutual respect between EU institutions and within the European Council is the only way forward »
A crack in the coalition
The coup de grace comes from within the Slovenian government. The Prime Minister's message is inappropriate and unnecessary » condemned, Friday (15.10), his (young) Minister of Defence, Matej Tonin who indicates “ expect an apology ».
An unusual message within the Slovenian ruling coalition. A crack in the coalition since the interested party is also Deputy Prime Minister and Head of Nova Slovenia, a small Christian Democratic Party (EPP). To be continued...
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde, with Emmanuelle Stroesser)