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European Parliament plans election campaign against Euroskeptics
European Parliament chiefs are planning a taxpayer-funded campaign to dissuade people from voting for Euroskeptic parties in the 2019 European election, according to an internal strategy note obtained by POLITICO.
“It is no exaggeration to say that the EU is at stake,” the note says, adding that the “campaign should not just aim to bring voters to the polls, but also convince them to support the European project. ”
The draft strategy, expected to be signed off Monday by the Parliament’s Bureau, made up of senior MEPs, raises questions about EU institutions lobbying in support of a particular political outcome — in particular, that the European project is an inherently good thing — rather than simply supporting the democratic electoral process and remaining neutral in the contest among parties and candidates.
The strategy’s author, Parliament Secretary-General Klaus Welle, argues the approach is necessary, reflecting Parliament’s concerns that turnout — 43 percent at the last election in 2014 — will be low, potentially favoring Euroskeptic parties.
“The European Parliament should take a clear and unambiguous stance in favor of the European Union,” the note reads.
MEP Peter Lundgren of the far-right, Euroskeptic Swedish Democrats reacted angrily to the proposal.
“The EU federalists are desperate after losing the argument and recent elections in Austria and the Czech Republic. The European Parliament will now use taxpayers’ money to build a propaganda machine to silence critical voices,” he said. “Every genuine democrat should be appalled and stridently oppose the casting off of even a pretense of institutional neutrality.”
A spokeswoman for the Parliament declined to comment ahead of Monday’s sign off, although she confirmed that the Parliament organizes such strategies ahead of each election.
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The note also outlines plans to “maximize cost-free media coverage” by persuading journalists to report on stories in a favorable light.
“Media do not need ready-made material but they do require good stories and guidance … Media are key allies in building a positive narrative about the EU,” the note reads.
https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-parliament-plans-election-campaign-against-euroskeptics/amp/
European Parliament chiefs are planning a taxpayer-funded campaign to dissuade people from voting for Euroskeptic parties in the 2019 European election, according to an internal strategy note obtained by POLITICO.
“It is no exaggeration to say that the EU is at stake,” the note says, adding that the “campaign should not just aim to bring voters to the polls, but also convince them to support the European project. ”
The draft strategy, expected to be signed off Monday by the Parliament’s Bureau, made up of senior MEPs, raises questions about EU institutions lobbying in support of a particular political outcome — in particular, that the European project is an inherently good thing — rather than simply supporting the democratic electoral process and remaining neutral in the contest among parties and candidates.
The strategy’s author, Parliament Secretary-General Klaus Welle, argues the approach is necessary, reflecting Parliament’s concerns that turnout — 43 percent at the last election in 2014 — will be low, potentially favoring Euroskeptic parties.
“The European Parliament should take a clear and unambiguous stance in favor of the European Union,” the note reads.
MEP Peter Lundgren of the far-right, Euroskeptic Swedish Democrats reacted angrily to the proposal.
“The EU federalists are desperate after losing the argument and recent elections in Austria and the Czech Republic. The European Parliament will now use taxpayers’ money to build a propaganda machine to silence critical voices,” he said. “Every genuine democrat should be appalled and stridently oppose the casting off of even a pretense of institutional neutrality.”
A spokeswoman for the Parliament declined to comment ahead of Monday’s sign off, although she confirmed that the Parliament organizes such strategies ahead of each election.
– –
The note also outlines plans to “maximize cost-free media coverage” by persuading journalists to report on stories in a favorable light.
“Media do not need ready-made material but they do require good stories and guidance … Media are key allies in building a positive narrative about the EU,” the note reads.
https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-parliament-plans-election-campaign-against-euroskeptics/amp/
