Young MEPs ‘ready to stand down’

Date: 10/10/02

By Martin Banks

BEING an MEP can be unhealthy for your political career - that is the view of a rising number of younger members who say they are considering quitting the European Parliament at the next election.

Much has been made recently of MEPs struggling to cope with the 'unbearable' pressures of the job, citing travel and long hours as the main problems. But some have now highlighted another possible reason for quitting Brussels - ambition.

The European Parliament is seen by many as a political backwater, while others are frustrated at the slow pace of reform.

Several said that being an MEP is fine at the start - or end - of a political career, but those serious about climbing the political ladder and making a real impact believe they have to spend their 'prime' in their member states.

European Voice contacted a large sample of MEPs under the age of 40 to canvass their views.

Several said they were considering not standing at the next European elections in 2004.

Swede Gunilla Carlsson, 39, actually quit last week, citing as one of the reasons that it was 'difficult to get noticed' as an MEP.Carlsson, a member of the European People's Party group, stood in the recent Swedish general election and won a seat. Her spokesman said: 'She felt she could exert more influence, certainly domestically, as an MP.'

Belgian Socialist Kathleen van Brempt, 32, is thinking of following suit.

She said: 'One thing is sure: if you want to make any headway in your political career you don't want to remain an MEP for too long. If you make the mistake of staying too long, you will be forgotten.'

Van Brempt, who was elected only two years ago, said: 'I haven't been an MEP very long but am seriously considering not standing in 2004 for that very reason.

'The problem is that there are 626 MEPs writing reports that no one seems bothered about. If you want to really make a change in society, the European Parliament is not the place to do it.'

Danish Liberal, Ole Sorensen, 33, an MEP since last year, echoed that view: 'There are some good opportunities here but, I agree, it's probably best not to stay too long.'

Another Liberal, 34-year-old Cecilia Malmström, from Sweden, is also considering not standing at the election in just over 18 months' time.

She said: 'You do feel a bit alienated in this place and it may be that I will have to leave to further my political career.'

A young British MEP, who did not wish to be named, admitted he, too, would probably not be standing - and nor would several of his colleagues.

He said they were waiting to inform their party headquarters before officially announcing their intentions.

'The problem is that the European Parliament is seen as a political backwater,' said the Englishman. 'It's not the place you're going to make a name for yourself.'

Two young Dutch MEPs said they had yet to decide if they will seek re-election. Socialist Michiel van Hulten, 33, said he would stand for one more term at most, adding: 'It's true - several young MEPs are seriously thinking about whether to stand again next time although I have to say most of us consider being an MEP to be an excellent chance to develop politically.

'If I were not to stand again one consideration would be the pace of Parliamentary reform which is quite slow.'

Liberal Lousewies van der Laan, 36, said: 'The question is where you can wield the most influence. A good idea would be to switch between being an MP and an MEP.'

And it isn't just younger members who are frustrated at the lack of public recognition.

UK Socialist Eryl McNally, 60, has already said she will stand down in 2004, claiming no one in Britain has the 'foggiest idea' who she is.

'Most Euro MPs work very hard but the system makes our work impossible to follow for the public,' she added.

A rising number of younger members say they are considering quitting the European Parliament at the next election because working in their Member States offers a better chance of moving up the career ladder.