Spanish MEP defends women in European Parliament

WHEN right wing Polish MEP Janusz Korwin-Mikke stood up in the European Parliament a few days before International Women’s Day to say that women “must earn less than men because they are weaker, smaller and less intelligent” he got a very sharp response.

Spanish left wing MEP Iratxe Garcia-Perez immediately stood up, as she responded: “I am here to defend all European women against men like you.”

While it may have been thought that this exchange would be the end of the matter, and that the Polish MEP was a simple misogynist who would be ignored, things are taking a different turn as Antonio Tajani, newly appointed president of the parliament, has been urged to investigate Mr Korwin-Mikke for his comments.

It is a requirement of the parliament that members respect each other and do not offend or insult during debates so if found guilty, he could be reprimanded, fined or even suspended.

Controversy is no stranger to the Polish MP as he has in the past been suspended for calling immigrants “excrement” and for making a Nazi salute in the chamber.