Mixed reaction to Convention role for Fischer

Date: 24/10/02

By Martin Banks

MEPS have given a mixed reaction to the appointment of German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer to the Convention on the future of Europe. Fischer replaces Peter Glotz, who had been a member of the body since it started its work earlier this year.

The appointment of Fischer is seen as a 'reward' for Germany's most popular politician, after the success of his Green Party in last month's elections. Fischer, a committed European, expressed a keen interest in taking part in the Convention during recent coalition talks with German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder.

But the decision by the German government to axe Socialist Glotz, a former general secretary of the German Social Democrat Party, was branded 'humiliating' by members. One German Social Democrat, who did not wish to be named, said: 'Effectively, he's been dismissed and the only reason seems to have been because Fischer wanted a place on the Convention. The whole thing stinks.'

Hans-Gert Pöttering, the German leader of the European People's Party, also had reservations. 'If Fischer turns up for the meetings and takes a full part in the Convention, then I suppose it will be worth it. But if it is just a token gesture then what's the point?'

Monica Frassoni, co-leader of the Greens/European Free Alliance group in the Parliament, welcomed the appointment. She said: 'This shows the will of the German government to make the Convention a success. The decision also means a strengthening of the role of the Convention.

'Fischer has the opportunity to act as a mediator between the EU governments, whichare desperately trying to preserve their power, and genuine reform forces in the Convention.'

MEPs have given a mixed reaction to the appointment of German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer to the Convention on the future of Europe.