Kathleen Funchion Blasts von der Leyen Reappointment, Urges No Vote
Kathleen Funchion criticised the reappointment of Ursula von der Leyen and urged Irish MEPs from Fianna Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Labour Party to vote against the new commission. She accused the commission of enabling violence in Palestine and pursuing policies that harm farmers, workers and the environment.
Reappointment condemned
Funchion said that after the delays the deal is done and that President von der Leyen will have five more years in office. She called the president "unacceptable" to the left and to the Irish people, portraying the reappointment as enabling ongoing violence in Palestine.
Policy objections raised
The speaker criticised the commission's agenda, highlighting opposition to the Mercosur Agreement as harmful to farmers and the environment. She argued that the commission prioritises militarisation and centralisation of powers in Brussels over workers' rights and solidarity.
Direct appeal to Irish MEPs
Funchion addressed Irish MEPs of Fianna Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Labour Party directly, saying the Irish people are watching and urging them that it is not too late to vote against the commission. She said "shame on any Irish MEP who supports it" if they back the reappointment.
Closing remarks to viewers
She concluded by inviting the audience to engage online, asking viewers to like, share and subscribe and to leave their thoughts in the comments. The remarks were framed as part of keeping the public informed about key European Parliament decisions and debates.
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Stay in the loop with the biggest moments from the European Parliament. From bold decisions to key debates, this video delivers the highlights you need to know. Watch how Europe's future is being shaped one vote at a time. So after all the drama and the delays, the deal is done and we will have five more years of Ursula von der Leyen. President von der Leyen, you are unacceptable to us in the left and you are unacceptable to the Irish people as an enabler of an ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people. What's more, your commission is hell-bent on passing the Mercosur Agreement, an agreement which is bad for farmers and for our environment. Your vision of the EU is one where workers' rights and solidarity are just footnotes to your main agenda of militarisation and centralisation of powers in Brussels' hands. I want to speak directly to the Irish MEPs of Fianna Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Labour Party. We see you and the Irish people are watching you very closely. It is not too late to do the right thing and vote against this commission. The people of Ireland do not want this agenda and shame on any Irish MEP who supports it. Like, share and subscribe and let us know your thoughts in the comments. We'd love to hear from you.
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