Portuguese minister and former MEP laments “regression” in parity in the next European Commission

The Minister of Environment and Energy recognized today the lack of parity in the next European Commission and that it is “a setback” compared to the previous executive of Ursula von der Leyen, blaming the Member States.

When asked about the names presented to form the next European Commission, Maria da Graça Carvalho, a former MEP, acknowledged that “there is indeed a setback” with regard to gender equality.

But the blame is on the Member States, she warned, as it is the countries of the community bloc that choose the commissioner candidates.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, had requested that all Member States present two names: one man and one woman.

But most countries, including Portugal, ignored the request and advanced with only one name.

However, while Portugal chose former Finance Minister Maria Luís Albuquerque, most Member States advanced with the names of men.

“This is a fight and it is a fight that must continue […], if we compare with the previous Commission, the facts leave no doubt, but the last word in the appointment is with the Member States.”

“I have a strong tendency, generally, to remember the names of women, but perhaps my colleagues do not, they remember more the names of men and, therefore, it is necessary to find a critical mass point for parity to become natural” the minister added.