Why Do Some Brexit Supporters Claim Unelected Officials Rule Them from Brussels?

For years, many Brexit supporters have argued that unelected officials from Brussels, specifically the European Commission, hold the real power over their lives, despite the fact that the European Parliament is directly elected by citizens of the EU member states. This piece delves into why this perception exists and explores the current dynamics between the two key EU institutions.

The Paradox of Direct Democracy and Representation

David Sassoli, the President of the European Parliament, is a prominent example often cited in debates. If you were a French citizen and unhappy with Sassoli, how could you express your dissatisfaction at the national level? The answer is simple: you can't.

This is a critical flaw that underpins the argument made by some Brexit supporters. They argue that the elected European Parliament, where Sassoli is a member, cannot directly influence the decisions and representatives of the EU institutions, such as Sassoli himself. This situation leads to a democratic deficit, where citizens feel that their elected representatives do not have the power to challenge unelected officials.

Thought Experiment: David Sassoli's Lasting Power

Imagine a scenario where 100 French MEPs decide to vote against Sassoli in the next election. They would surely succeed, right? Not necessarily. The proposal for the European Commission President and members comes from national governments, not from the European Parliament. The Parliament can only approve or reject these proposals; it has no power to create a Commission from scratch.

Furthermore, the European Parliament's power to dismiss the Commission is virtually non-existent. This requires a two-thirds majority, which has never been achieved in history. This means that even if all the MEPs from France, or even multiple countries, were united against an official like Sassoli, their collective vote would not change the status quo.

Unelected Powerhouses: The European Commission

While the European Commission cannot be directly dismissed, its powers are significant. This body has the authority to propose new EU laws, a role that indirectly gives it tremendous influence over the lives of European citizens. This immense power, combined with the fact that the Commission's members are not directly elected by the public, fosters the perception of lacking democratic accountability.

Some infamous examples include former UK political leader L

and German officials, whose backgrounds and priorities have often led to controversy and criticism. These unelected individuals have substantial power, which is often seen as contradicting democratic principles.

Addressing the Critics: Is the European Parliament Elected?

Many argue that the power of the European Commission is a significant democratic deficit. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the European Parliament is indeed elected by the people of the member states. The issue lies with the separation of powers and the relative lack of control the Parliament has over the Commission.

The European Parliament plays a critical role in the legislative process, voting on proposals and laws, and it is the only EU institution with direct election. Nonetheless, the Commission's ability to propose new laws and have its own executive powers raises legitimate concerns about the balance of power within the EU institutional structure.

Conclusion

The claims made by some Brexit supporters about unelected officials dominating EU governance are rooted in the unique and sometimes confusing structure of the EU. While the European Parliament is directly elected, the Commission's significant powers and the limited control over its members by the Parliament highlight areas for democratic improvement.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for recognizing the complexity of EU governance and the need for ongoing reform to ensure a more democratic and accountable EU.