EU President has the charisma of a damp rag

[Andres]

Ukip's Nigel Farage tells Van Rompuy: You have the charisma of a damp rag.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Ukip MEP Nigel Farage told Herman Van Rompuy, the president of the EU, he had "all the charisma of a damp rag and the appearance of a low-grade bank clerk" in the European parliament yesterday.
Farage, the former leader of the UK Independence party, also dismissed Van Rompuy's homeland, Belgium, as a "non-country".

As well as attacking Van Rompuy's appearance, personality and home nation, Farage also criticised the president's pay packet and accused him of plotting the overthrow of the nation state.
Van Rompuy, who had just made his first speech to MEPs since being appointed by EU leaders to the newly-created top job, sat in amazement and obvious discomfort as the tirade went on. Other MEPs in the less-than-full chamber gasped as Farage spoke.

Afterwards the Socialist leader in the parliament, Germany's Martin Schulz, condemned Farage for "trampling on the dignity of the house".

And Van Rompuy responded that he held Farage's remarks "in contempt", and refused to say more.
Farage – who is challenging the Speaker of the Commons, John Bercow, in Buckingham at the general election – declared: "We were told that when we had a president, we'd see a giant global political figure, a man who would be the political leader for 500 million people, the man that would represent all of us all of us on the world stage, the man whose job was so important that of course you're paid more than President [Barack] Obama."

He continued: "Well, I'm afraid what we got was you ... I don't want to be rude but, really, you have the charisma of a damp rag and the appearance of a low-grade bank clerk and the question I want to ask is: 'Who are you? I'd never heard of you. Nobody in Europe had ever heard of you.'"
Farage went on: "I can speak on behalf of the majority of British people in saying that we don't know you, we don't want you, and the sooner you are put out to grass, the better."
The former Ukip leader told Van Rompuy: "I have no doubt that your intention is to be the quiet assassin of European democracy and of European nation states."

That, added Farage, was probably because Van Rompuy came from "pretty much a non-country" so had no interest in the nation state.

Van Rompuy, 62, was the surprise compromise choice as the new president of the council – a role created by the Lisbon treaty and one which some thought should and would go to Tony Blair as an internationally-recognised new face for the EU.

Van Rompuy, the former Belgian prime minister, was credited with turning his country's fortunes around last year. He made clear he would not be a "globe-trotting" leader of the EU, considering himself more a "chairman" of the EU's council of national governments.
The centre-right politician quietly enjoys his nickname as the "grey mouse" and is known for writing haiku poetry.

Given a final say in the form of a right of reply after Farage and other – friendlier – MEPs had commented on his speech, Van Rompuy remarked: "There was one contribution that I can only hold in contempt, but I'm not going to comment further."

Dear Mister Farage,

Let's see:

- "You are the quiet assassin of European democracy ..."

Van Rompuy is merely the chairman of the European Council. He leads meetings and notes down votes. He has no real power whatsoever. What's so undemocratic about that?

His job is a by product of the Lisbon treaty, a treaty which limits Britain's veto-behaviour. In fact, it's a step towards true European democracy: less veto right (veto is basically a decisive "no" by a minority; very democratic, isn't it?), more qualified majorities, more importance for the European Parlement.

- and from the states.

Hey, if you don't like it, then just leave. Why is this guy sitting there, accepting his fat monthly pay cheque if he hates Europe so much? If Britain hates Europe so much, then why don't they leave the Union alltogether? Hypocrisy.

They can leave the Union and make bilateral treaties with EU member states if they want. But no, they don't leave. They whine, but don't have the guts to be consequent.

It's more difficult for Britain now to sabotage Europe. So much is true. No more veto by one country ("oooh! That's undemocratic!" Then leave our tyranny!). Voting by qualified majority will become more and more standard procedure (exceptions: relationships with external powers, taxes, defence are still to be decided unanimous) Qualfied majority = 55 % of the member states who have at least 65 % of the number of inhabitants have to agree. Very undemocratic, isn't it?

If the proposal comes from the European Council, it needs 72 % of the member states to agree. How undemocratic! It should be 50 % +1! Something tells me that is not quiet what Mister Farage meant.



- maybe it's because you are from Belgium, a non-country!

Who was among the firsts to recognise this non-country? Yep, your country, mister Farage.

Besides, what about the territory of your country? It isn't very clear to me. It's more a condominium instead of a state. Oversea territory, what belongs to the crown, what doesn't belong to the crown, ... Very confusing...

And if we're talking about the European context, well, it seems to me that Britain is the non-European state here. No member of the Euro. Hundreds of exceptions and opt-outs. If there's one member state that is not a true member state aka a non-member state, then it's Britain.



-We don't know you so we don't want you.

Typical for a xenophobe party...

Besides, we didn't know you too before your intervention. Now that we know you, we don't want you either.

Good manners, decency, style, respect : zero. Not to mention the blunder of outright insulting a befriended nation. Go wash your mouth with brown soap and don't you ever come back again, Mister Farage.

I guess that at least he now has something to tell his grandchildren and his friends at the local pub.

[Louis VI the Fat]

Farage has been a MEP since 1999. His haul thus far: €2.5 million of the EU taxpayer's filthy money, on top of his annual salary of €80.000.

He's been taking good care of himself. And the end is not in sight. His tabloid / Telegraph audience loves it. Loves his outbursts about the EUSSR and corruption. Loves it so much they'll keep voting the thieving crook in, again and again, believing his excuse that he is only raking in the cash to prove that the EU is corrupt.

[Fragony]

Also said it in the video thread: This is the first time I am sad Jan Peter Balkenende didn't become the 'EU president', I would have loved to see the look on his face.

[Subotan]

Man, that MEP really has some balls oh wait

[InsaneApache]

Of course the EUSSR is democratic and accountable. After all transparency is their watchword. They love referenda and free speech, in fact they cherish it.

As long as you agree with them.

[Sarmatian]

Unfortunately, this part...

"We were told that when we had a president, we'd see a giant global political figure, a man who would be the political leader for 500 million people, the man that would represent all of us all of us on the world stage, the man whose job was so important that of course you're paid more than President [Barack] Obama."

He continued: "Well, I'm afraid what we got was you ... I don't want to be rude but, really, you have the charisma of a damp rag and the appearance of a low-grade bank clerk and the question I want to ask is: 'Who are you? I'd never heard of you. Nobody in Europe had ever heard of you.'"

... is completely true. It really takes an idiot to allow the position to be destroyed as soon as it is created.

[Justiciar]

Oh aye. Curse and spit at an entire nation because one notoriously obnoxious ejit from a minor party kicks up a fuss. Good call.

Farage is a tedious sod who doesn't deserve his seat. I can't stand his guts. But the oft repeated "just leave then" line really gets on my tits.

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

In order to leave the EU either A: the ruling party would have to vote us out or, we would need a referendum granted by the ruling party. Britons are currently so demoralised that the minority Labour party holds power, and there is no party with a popular majority.

No party represents the British people as a whole, or even a reasonable percentage of us.

So don't tar us all with one brush.

[Tellos Athenaios]

The overall point still stands though: if you send in MEPs that are apparently unwilling to co-operate with other EU nations then you do deserve the line "get out or get over it already". That applies in particular to Mr. Farage & co, but in general it also applies to the UK's less than co-operative stance within the EU.

[Louis VI the Fat]

Bah. This was an outrageous outburst, an affront, a scandal, completely unbecoming of a member of parliament.

O temora, o mores! What an age to live in, when politicians with the manners and conduct of drunk hooligans are cheered and applauded.


Unfortunately, it is becoming the norm in politics. Perfectly reflecting society at large then.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Mr Hannan, MEP for South-East England, has been involved in filibuster tactics, using procedural rules to demand speaking time to make points of order and give explanations of voting, and insisting on seldom-used roll-call votes. Yesterday he saw red over moves to thwart such tactics by invoking parliamentary powers enabling the President to over-ride demands from MEPs if Mr Poettering believes the motive is to disrupt proceedings.


Mr Hannan complained about the stifling of free expression and likened the issue to the Enabling Act in 1933 that gave Hitler unlimited power.
He told the Parliament chamber: "To disregard the rules under which we operate is indeed an act of arbitrary and despotic rule. "It is only my regard for you Mr Chairman and my personal affection for you that prevents me from likening it to the Emachtigungsgesetz of 1933 which was also voted through by a parliamentary majority."
The Emachtigungsgesetz was the Enabling Act with which Hitler won unlimited power.


Joseph Daul, leader of the centre-right EPP group to which Tory MEPs are affiliated, immediately disassociated his group from the remarks and threatened to expel Mr Hannan. A decision is expected when MEPs meet in Strasbourg next month.
Meanwhile Mr Hannan used his blog yesterday afternoon to reveal support from Tory Chief Whip in the European Parliament Den Dover, who told Mr Hannan after the rumpus that his position in the Tory group was assured.
Mr Hannan called for an "amicable divorce" between UK Tory MEPs and their continental centre-right colleagues in the European Parliament's EPP group and pointed out that the Tories have already pledged to leave the EPP next year.
German Socialist leader in the European Parliament Martin Schulz - once likened by then-Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi to a Nazi camp commandant - condemned Mr Hannan: "People like Hannan are not only not speaking on behalf of conservatives in Europe - they have no home in the European Parliament. They are entirely isolated.

[Subotan]

Unfortunately, this part...... is completely true. It really takes an idiot to allow the position to be destroyed as soon as it is created.

What do you expect with a federal set up akin to a Polish Parliament?

In order to leave the EU either A: the ruling party would have to vote us out or, we would need a referendum granted by the ruling party. Britons are currently so demoralised that the minority Labour party holds power, and there is no party with a popular majority.

No party represents the British people as a whole, or even a reasonable percentage of us.

So don't tar us all with one brush.

That's very nice, but the rest of Europe doesn't see the non-crazy side of die Inselaffen when outbursts like this occur. I don't want to end up looking like the Deep South of the European Union.

[Louis VI the Fat]

That's very nice, but the rest of Europe doesn't see the non-crazy side of die Inselaffen when outbursts like this occur. I don't want to end up looking like the Deep South of the European Union.

Of course the rest of Europe's knows all the other sides of Britain too.

That's what you get for the good fortune of speaking a dialect of American.

We all know exactly what you lot are up to.

Incidentally, Farage does not represent the UK. MEP's are not representatives of their country. This has the mitigating consequence of the hurled insults falling just short of a major diplomatic affront. This is not Britain vs Belgium, This is about common decency and civilised political conduct.
Even so, this sort of behaviour is more commonly expected of Italian politicians. A country therefore mostly not taken seriously, despite its weight.

[Boohugh]

The overall point still stands though: if you send in MEPs that are apparently unwilling to co-operate with other EU nations then you do deserve the line "get out or get over it already".

No no, you're absolutely right. We should definitely change our democratic rules and make the EU even less democratically accountable just so we don't cause embarrassment to other EU nations...

but in general it also applies to the UK's less than co-operative stance within the EU.

Definitely! I can't believe the UK has been blocking reform of the Common Agricultural Policy for so long, not to mention the Common Fisheries Policy, which has only managed to achieve the decimation of fish stocks in the North Sea because the UK allowed common fishing of its waters. Oh, and make sure you don't forget that the UK gets given such a massive amount from the EU budget compared to the cash we hand over.

Oh hang on, think I may be confused here...

Perhaps if other EU nations were a bit more cooperative over a multitude of issues then the UK wouldn't have such a problem. The sad fact is, every time we give up something to the EU, we very rarely get back what we were promised in return. I'm still waiting for the reform of the EU budget that the UK was promised in return for giving up our rebate for instance...

[Furunculus]

Bah. This was an outrageous outburst, an affront, a scandal, completely unbecoming of a member of parliament.

O temora, o mores! What an age to live in, when politicians with the manners and conduct of drunk hooligans are cheered and applauded.


Unfortunately, it is becoming the norm in politics. Perfectly reflecting society at large then.

god bless Dan!

That's very nice, but the rest of Europe doesn't see the non-crazy side of die Inselaffen when outbursts like this occur. I don't want to end up looking like the Deep South of the European Union.

i don't really care what they think of us.

Perhaps if other EU nations were a bit more cooperative over a multitude of issues then the UK wouldn't have such a problem. The sad fact is, every time we give up something to the EU, we very rarely get back what we were promised in return. I'm still waiting for the reform of the EU budget that the UK was promised in return for giving up our rebate for instance...

that is a card cameron may get to play.

[Subotan]

How can we defend the realm's sovereignty against enemies if we look like a bunch of rednecks?

[Furunculus]

How can we defend the realm's sovereignty against enemies if we look like a bunch of rednecks?

the way we have always done:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Royal_Navy

:p

[Louis VI the Fat]

if we look like a bunch of rednecks

One will find all European countries have a large, populist rightwing. Of whom provocations and insults are not merely expected, but for whom this is an essential means to mobilise their electorate, to show them they are one of them.

I shall maintain this is not about Belgium versus the UK.

Even so, a slight expression of regret that Belgium (how have they ever wronged the UK?) should've been publically insulted by a Briton who, if he not represents Britain, was elected by British, would show why the UK was once a byword on the continent for good manners and inhibited political reticence.

[Aemilius Paulus]

god bless Dan!

I agree, even if there is no God. That fellow was right to make some of the outburst, although it was mostly tactless.

i don't really care what they think of us.

That, however, is not good.



Overall, Van Rompuy election is bollox because everyone knows they wanted a weak EU president. I am still not sure about the compromise-builder role, though. This said, Nigel Faragewas ranting by the time he began rambling on about the supposed attacks on European democracy. And the ad-hominem nevertheless made me cringe, even if it was true.

[tibilicus]

the way we have always done:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Royal_Navy

:p

Isn't the RN due for massive cuts?

[Aemilius Paulus]

Isn't the RN due for massive cuts?

Yeah, I was just making a presentation the last week in my Comparative Politics class on that. Massive indeed. Especially those aircraft carries - ouch, they are everything to a navy in these times. But I do not see why Britain should sink into even deeper hole because of such a relatively unnecessary spending. As long as UK navy is comfortably ahead of Argentina, it will be alright, especially with the NATO.

[Louis VI the Fat]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceej...CC9FA&index=16
At around 2:00.

Hannan protests an anti-fillibustering law by comparing this to a Hitler putsch by the German Parliament President Pöttering. A man who sadly never knew his father because he tragically died in WWII, which was influential in this well-respected Christian-Democrat's strive towards a democratic Germany and Europe.

Dear oh dear.

I link to the video because it shows another face of British conservatism. Christopher Beazley. He tells Hannan he can't say this, and asks him to 'step outside with him'. Now there's a British Conservative* for you. A British Conservatism that is more gentle, more 'British' too, taking pride from good manners instead of the absense of it.


*Beazley has communists for breakfast: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague_..._and_Communism

[Furunculus]

Yeah, I was just making a presentation the last week in my Comparative Politics class on that. Massive indeed. Especially those aircraft carries - ouch, they are everything to a navy in these times. But I do not see why Britain should sink into even deeper hole because of such a relatively unnecessary spending.

As long as UK navy is comfortably ahead of Argentina, it will be alright, especially with the NATO.

lol, because we spend soooooo much on Defence!

i didn't realise that Britains strategic interests started and stopped at the falklands........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceej...CC9FA&index=16
At around 2:00.

Hannan protests an anti-fillibustering law by comparing this to a Hitler putsch by the German Parliament President Pöttering. A man who sadly never knew his father because he tragically died in WWII, which was influential in this well-respected Christian-Democrat's strive towards a democratic Germany and Europe.

Dear oh dear.

I link to the video because it shows another face of British conservatism. Christopher Beazley. He tells Hannan he can't say this, and asks him to 'step outside with him'. Now there's a British Conservative* for you. A British Conservatism that is more gentle, more 'British' too, taking pride from good manners instead of the absense of it.


*Beazley has communists for breakfast: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague_..._and_Communism

hannan was right, blithely setting aside democratic institutions so that affairs can move 'forward' is something germany should be both familiar with and wary of, and as an object lesson to the EU it was very apt even if it was also a little tasteless.

[Aemilius Paulus]

lol, because we spend soooooo much on Defence!

Of course not, but most countries can use a defence spending cut, especially with their economy in such a state.

i didn't realise that Britains strategic interests started and stopped at the falklands........

They are the main ones under possible danger. Can you give me another similar example of a British possession threatened by a nation with a viable military? Gibraltar ? Argentina is the measuring stick for the Brits, as I said. It was my understand that if the UK had a comfortable superiority against the Argentinian forces, that would be enough for anything else. Or are you worried the Litvinenko affair may escalate ? I could very well be mistaken here, but I would need you to point out where more vital and threatened interests of Britain lay.





You could have just enjoyed our rare agreement, moment of convergence on the issues of that outspoken MEP and left it at that, but noooo, you conservatives....

[Subotan]

Hannan protests an anti-fillibustering law by comparing this to a Hitler putsch by the German Parliament President Pöttering. A man who sadly never knew his father because he tragically died in WWII, which was influential in this well-respected Christian-Democrat's strive towards a democratic Germany and Europe.

Dear oh dear.

I thought I recognised him! That's the NHS hater!

[Furunculus]

Of course not, but most countries can use a defence spending cut, especially with their economy in such a state.

They are the main ones under possible danger. Can you give me another similar example of a British possession threatened by a nation with a viable military? Gibraltar ? Argentina is the measuring stick for the Brits, as I said. It was my understand that if the UK had a comfortable superiority against the Argentinian forces, that would be enough for anything else. Or are you worried the Litvinenko affair may escalate ? I could very well be mistaken here, but I would need you to point out where more vital and threatened interests of Britain lay.

You could have just enjoyed our rare agreement, moment of convergence on the issues of that outspoken MEP and left it at that, but noooo, you conservatives....

The first duty of the sovereign nation state, the provision of internal and external security, should not be subject to such budgetary belt-tightening when it:
> occupies a mere 5% of annual government spending
> is not the cause of the present financial difficulties
> has not been grossly inflated in recent years, and therefore likely to be packed with waste

oh how wrong you are, Britains military responsibilities extend far beyond such piffling local matters as the falklands:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British...ent_operations

no, sadly i have the inescapable need to disagree with people who i believe to be misguided. :)

[Furunculus]

I thought I recognised him! That's the NHS hater!

you mean the person who recognises that other nations operatings other systems of healthcare achieve much better outcomes from their health service as a percentage of GDP spent?

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/da...ts-on-the-nhs/

Interrupting my holiday with some thoughts on the NHS


By Daniel Hannan Politics Last updated: August 12th, 2009

149 Comments

Five different BBC journalists have phoned today – presumably in response to this piece in the Independent. That’s the Beeb for you, I suppose: I’ve been setting out my views on healthcare in some detail over the years but, since I’ve been doing so mainly in the Telegraph, our state broadcaster hasn’t noticed.

I am blogging from Dax where the feria is in full swing, the streets swaying with white-clad French people in red neckerchiefs and sashes. I love French ferias, and am still daydreaming of a repetition of this episode. But I am nowehere near a studio, so any journalists wanting a line from me will have to make do with the following.

1. In The Plan, published last year and co-authored with Douglas Carswell, I set out at length a scheme to replace the current government monopoly in healthcare with a Singapore-style system of personal health accounts. The Singapore system produces better outcomes than ours for half the price. If we spent the same percentage of GDP on healthcare as now, but put equivalent power in the hands of our consumers, it seems not unreasonable to suppose that we would be much healthier. (Incidentally, the state pays for those who can’t afford their own accounts in Singapore, as in every developed country. It never ceases to amaze me how many British people have been convinced that free healthcare for the poor is a unique property of the NHS.)

2. I am not the Conservative Party’s healthcare spokesman. I’m fond of Andrew Lansley, and I strongly support David Cameron as party leader. On this issue, though, I disagree with both of them.

3. When I was in Washington last week, I joked that, within minutes of my speech, John Prescott would be accusing me of “insulting our hard-working doctors and nurses”. I over-estimated the old bruiser: it took him a week. The idea that I – or anyone else – would set out to offend 1.4 million NHS workers needs only to be stated to see how silly it is. You see how the Left works, though. Any suggestion that the NHS might be improved upon is shouted down as an attack on the people in it – which is precisely the point I was making about how hard it is to reform so large a bureaucracy.

4. I particularly like Prezza’s idea that being “Progressive” means refusing to countenance any change to a system designed in 1944.

5. It seems increasingly obvious that American voters are turning against Barack Obama’s plans. That’s not to say that the Dems won’t get something called “health reform” through: they have invested too much political capital not to. But British-style state-administered hospitals – that plainly ain’t gonna happen.

6. Which raises the intriguing question of whether Britain would establish the NHS today.

[Aemilius Paulus]

oh how wrong you are, Britains military responsibilities extend far beyond such piffling local matters as the falklands:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British...ent_operations

No, I did not mean the places where you voluntarily intervene, in your imperialistic delusions, which your nation still retains to some degree, operate. I meant the dependent territories of your Commonwealth (i.e. Pitcairn, Bermuda, Gibraltar, Falklands, Tristan de Cunya [sp?], etc)

[Furunculus]

No, I did not mean the places where you voluntarily intervene, in your imperialistic delusions, which your nation still retains to some degree, operate. I meant the dependent territories of your Commonwealth (i.e. Pitcairn, Bermuda, Gibraltar, Falklands, Tristan de Cunya [sp?], etc)

i accept that within the narrow confines of what you suggest, that the falklands represent the most 'threatened' group of British nationals and are regarded as such, but i reject that it has major impact on British strategic goals and thinking.

[Aemilius Paulus]

i accept that within the narrow confines of what you suggest, that the falklands represent the most 'threatened' group of British nationals and are regarded as such, but i reject that it has major impact on British strategic goals and thinking.

Fair enough, thank you . G'luck restoring the Empire

[Furunculus]

Fair enough, thank you . G'luck restoring the Empire

it doesn't need restoring, it's gone, and what is left is longer 'empire':
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British...as_territories

The British Overseas Territories are fourteen territories of the United Kingdom, but which do not form part of the United Kingdom itself.[1] They are the remnants of the British Empire that have not achieved independence or have voted to remain British territories.

The name "British Overseas Territory" was introduced by the British Overseas Territories Act 2002, and replaced the name British Dependent Territory, which was introduced by the British Nationality Act 1981. Before 1981, the territories were known as colonies or Crown colonies.

The fourteen territories are Anguilla, the British Antarctic Territory, Bermuda, the British Indian Ocean Territory, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, St Helena and Dependencies (Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha), the Turks and Caicos Islands, Pitcairn Island, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, and the Sovereign Base Areas on Cyprus.[2] Claims in Antarctica, including that of Britain, are not recognised by all nations.[3]

The territories of Jersey and Guernsey (collectively known as the Channel Islands), and the Isle of Man, though also under the sovereignty of the British Crown, have a different constitutional relationship with the United Kingdom, and are classed as Crown Dependencies.[4][5][6] The British overseas territories and Crown Dependencies are distinct from the Commonwealth of Nations, a voluntary association of countries mostly with historic links to the British Empire.