Far-right Patriots for Europe demand debate on EU election interference claims
Far-right groups in the European Parliament are pushing for a public debate over claims that the European Commission interfered in national elections. The Patriots for Europe group formally requested a plenary session after a U.S. Congress report alleged the Commission used social media rules to influence voting outcomes in Europe.
The call for a debate follows a U.S. report suggesting the Commission meddled in elections through its social media policies. Hungarian lawmaker Kinga Gál questioned Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen about the findings but claimed she received no clear response.
Polish MEP Stanisław Tyszka argued that institutions with nothing to hide should welcome scrutiny. He implied the Commission's reluctance to engage raised further questions.
The Patriots for Europe are now considering a topical debate in April as part of a broader strategy to keep the issue in focus. However, their initial proposal failed to gain enough support for inclusion in next week's parliamentary agenda.
The European Commission has denied any interference, stating its role is to help EU countries combat misinformation. Officials have not addressed the U.S. report directly but maintain their actions comply with democratic standards.
The debate request did not secure enough backing for an immediate session. The Patriots for Europe may still pursue the issue in April, keeping pressure on the Commission. Meanwhile, the institution continues to reject claims of election interference, insisting its work remains transparent and lawful.
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