The world is witnessing a more drastic deficit of true politicians as compared to previous times. There are few outstanding and great politicians deeply aware of ongoing developments around the world, and able to direct and sometimes affect the processes. Given very small number of strong-minded politicians with comprehensive knowledge and rich experience, and in most cases their staying out of the major political arena, unfortunately, most important and influential international organizations are led by such politically unskilled politicians.
Let`s take Martin Schultz, president of the European Parliament.
There are quite interesting facts related to his political life before stepping up to the leading position at the European Parliament, which regards human rights and democratic principles as its priority.
Living with a childhood dream of becoming a football player, Schulz takes up using alcohol and fails to realize his dream. In his interview to The Financial Times, dated April 26, 2013, he admits “I did nothing but play football at school.” But two serious knee injuries at the age of 18 wrecked his dream. “From one day to another, I was failed at school and my football was over and then I fell into a deep crisis and began to drink heavily.”
The Economist writing about Martin Schulz, dated May 11, 2013, posted a caricature of his desire to work in Brussels, with a note that he was an alcoholic. The journalist names Schulz as "a reformed alcoholic" in his article, and then he adds deep note to his article saying “The original reference to Mr Schulz being "a reformed alcoholic" has been amended at the request of Mr Schulz`s office.”
Bild newspaper also reported that young Schulz lost his job due to his coming to the office drunk. Later he was deprived of unemployment benefits and his family and friends also turned a blind eye to him. Then Schulz engages in selling books and becomes the director of a book store. Later, he begins to work for the European Parliament.
Another factor characterizing Martin Schultz is his pretty aggressive and controversial nature, well remembered with unnecessary statements. He does not fit into any healthy logic outputs, with inadequate "famous" ideas. Martin Schulz has never managed to control emotions. That is why, all his speeches and statements frequently are accompanied by political scandals.
His statements about the then Prime Minister of Italy, Silvio Berlusconi, his speech at the Israeli Knesset or statements on the European Union`s views on the role of Great Britain can be a brilliant example. All these comments and statements provoked a strong reaction from members of parliament and the public at the international level which ended in a serious scandal. Godfrey Bloom, member of the European Parliament from the UK even accused Schulz of promoting Nazism.
The politician is also known for his biased and groundless statements on Azerbaijan and Turkey. Schultz is also quite famous for his Islamophobic ideas. It is worth to note here that the record minimum level of trust by European peoples on the European institutions coincides namely the period of chairmanship of Martin Schulz at the European Parliament.
Observers say Martin Schulz is a man with very ambitious political positions. Schulz, who assures that he devoted his efforts to the triumph of the European values, in fact, putting aside all his parliamentarian responsibilities aside during the European Parliament elections made his utmost to win the post of chairman of the European Commission. In fact, before his election as president of the European Parliament for the second time he set another goal for himself: to leave the European Parliament and master the seat of the head of the European Commission. But he failed to achieve this goal.
The financial matters of Martin Schulz are not so bright as well. Journalistic investigation by Report Mainz program aired on the German TV channel ADR on April 29, 2014 revealed that MEPs receive 304 euros a day if they are involved, or at least are registered in the plenary and committee meetings. However, Martin Schulz gets paid 365 days a year, regardless of where he is and what he is doing - chairs the Parliament session in Brussels or Strasbourg, holds a relaxing weekend with his family or attends a meeting of the Social Democratic Party. The figure hits about 110,000 euros a year excluding taxes. (His private income, however, is approximately 200,000 euros a year).
The key point that need to be voiced is that during Schulz’s chairmanship petitions on a gross violation of human rights in the European Union member-states almost have not been heard, and the most interesting point is that, in general, complaints from Germany were turned down at all.
Instead, Schulz voiced biased statements on the developments taking place in other countries, in fact showing double standards and a flagrant interference in the internal affairs of other countries that could be construed as an attempt to demonstrate the position. If we take a look at Schulz’s speeches in the early period of his chairmanship at the European Parliament, as well as during his re-election, we can see the topics as reduction of unemployment in Europe, especially youth employment, ensuring the protection of democratic values and other issues is a priority. But in reality, all these issues have not been resolved and the problem continues to grow.
P.S. Media reports say several years ago few TV channels had a desire to interview Martin Schulz. Journalists recognized him as ill-started, rude and vulgar man. Schulz, who became aware of that, worked on his image in short period of time and decided to appear at any time he wishes and at any channel he desires. From all mentioned above, one can conclude that Martin Schulz’s chairmanship is only damage but nothing else to the reputation of the institution of the European Parliament.
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