THE PRELIMINARY DISTRIBUTION of European Commission portfolios has kindled a heated debate in Finland.
Jutta Urpilainen (SDP), the Finnish nominee to the European Commission, was on Tuesday announced as the commissioner-designate for international partnerships – to the disappointment of those who had expected her to be in the running for a role with more budgetary and legislative influence.
“Urpilainen’s portfolio of international partnerships is on the one hand important, but on the other insignificant in terms of EU legislation,” commented Juho Romakkaniemi, the chief executive of Finland Chamber of Commerce.
Jussi Halla-aho, the chairperson of the Finns Party, compared the gap between the expectations and outcome to the performances of Finnish contestants in the Eurovision Song Contest.
“Finland is always projected for a high finish in Eurovision; the outcome is nil points. Finland is projected to come out of the commissioner nominations with the financial portfolio; the outcome is the Africa portfolio,” he stated on Twitter.
His assessment was rejected by ex-Prime Minister Alexander Stubb (NCP), who insisted that the commissioner for international partnerships is one of the most important members of the European Commission.
“Europe’s future is relying increasingly on international relations, development policy and especially Africa,” he highlighted.
Liisa Jaakonsaari (SDP), a former Member of the European Parliament, stated that Africa has the potential to establish itself on the world stage in a similar fashion to China. “Urpilainen received a true future portfolio,” she underscored.
Aleksi Teivainen – HT
Source: Uusi Suomi
