Statement on Cristina Guarda's participation to EC Hearing

Statement: on the possibility for MEP Cristina Guarda, who recently gave birth, to participate remotely in Raffaele Fitto’s Hearing

As Group Leaders, we are appalled with the decision taken in the Conference of Presidents last 24 October 2024 to refuse the request of our fellow MEP Cristina Guarda, who recently gave birth, to participate remotely in the Hearing of Commissioner-designate, Raffaele Fitto.  EPP, ECR, PfE, and ESN opposed the proposal, while S&D, RE, Greens/EFA, and LEFT supported it. We believe that this refusal impedes the rights of a Member of the European Parliament and is a discriminatory limitation to the work and political mandate of an elected Member not being able to travel after having had a baby but who wants to undertake her work voluntarily.

We would like to stress that the request of Cristina Guarda only refers to her intention to pose an oral question to a Commissioner-designate. Given the specific circumstances of the case, by way of derogation, we believe there should be no technical nor political barrier for Cristina Guarda to speak remotely for one minute and represent herself in a crucial political meeting as a Hearing of a Commissioner. We also wish to stress that such derogatory decisions are taken on a regular basis at Coordinators level for Committees, without undermining the right to maternity leave.

We believe that allowing her participation to this meeting is essential to ensure that constituents are not unrepresented while their Member is on leave or pregnant if she is able and wants to continue performing her role. Exercising one's mandate and representative role is not only the right of the elected person but it is also essential to guarantee the effective participation of citizens in the EU’s democratic life.

We therefore, call on the President to find a way to allow Ms Cristina Guarda exercise her right and mandate and be able to participate remotely and formulate a question to Commissioner-designate, Raffaele Fitto.

The European Parliament in its Gender Action Plan adopted in 2020 commits as a gender sensitive parliament to provide equal access and participation for all genders and to work for improved work-life balance conditions and better accommodate family commitments. We ask therefore on the President to live up to this commitment.

We expect a close attention to this urgent matter, and we look forward to any workable solution.

Yours sincerely,