Time for MEPs to ‘feel the heat’

From Andreas Norlén MP and Karl Sigfrid MP.

Sir, The EU will, for the first time, have a long-term budget tighter than the previous one, assuming that the European Parliament does not obstruct. To ensure the parliament offers no unpleasant surprises in this regard, we want to call on citizens around Europe to let their representatives in Brussels know what they think. We feel certain that a great majority of Europeans find it reasonable to force the EU into a slimmer costume.

Many parliamentarians realise that they are not going to become popular at home by voting for increased spending. The speaker of the parliament, the German socialist Martin Schulz, has therefore proposed to vote with secret ballots. Mr Schulz explains that he doesn’t want the representatives to be put under pressure from those whom they represent. This is, of course, unacceptable. Furthermore, the goal of the parliament does not appear to be advancing the interests of Europe, but rather to advance its own interest in grabbing more power.

When Ronald Reagan felt unsure whether the US Congress would support his tax reform in 1981 he coined a famous phrase: “When you can’t make them see the light, make them feel the heat.” Reagan encouraged the voters to call their member of Congress and give their opinion. The congressmen were drowned in phone calls, and the proposal passed.

Now it is time for members of the European Parliament to hear what their constituents think. Email your representative and have your say.

Andreas Norlén and Karl Sigfrid, Moderate Party, Sweden, Members of the Committee on the Constitution