The Chairman of the Group of the PASD group, German Martin Schulz (L) and the Chairman of the EPP group at the European Parliament (EP), French Joseph Daul, are in strong disagreement regarding Bulgaria's EC nomination.
The European People's Party (EPP) stands behind the Bulgarian EU Commissioner nomination, the Vice-Chairman of the EPP Group, József Szájer, reiterated Friday.
Szájer spoke in an interview for the Bulgarian National Television BNT.
“The hearing was a coordinated attack against Jeleva and the Bulgarian government. There are tons of unconfirmed reports in the media. This was inquisition for her,” Szájer said.
Meanwhile, Hanes Svoboda, Deputy Chairman of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats in the European Parliament (PASD) also spoke for BNT firmly rejecting any rumors Jeleva had fallen victim of a plot.
“Jeleva demonstrated very little knowledge of her portfolio; she was unconvincing,” Svoboda said.
Rumiana Jeleva, faced tough questioning from MEPs on January 12. After her hearing, which is widely regarded as “unconvincing”, and amidst allegations of conflict of interests, the political coordinators of the Development Committee decided later that evening to put off their final decision on whether to back Jeleva’s confirmation. She denied any wrongdoing.
The issue is still pending while Jeleva continues to insist she would not withdraw her EC bid.