Greens/EFA MEP Reinhard Bütikofer comments the hearing of Carlos Moedas
What is your overall impression of how commissioner-designate Moedas performed?
He certainly is an experienced politician and a smooth operator. He avoided the danger zones. He did not trip up, did not offend, he told a convincing European story about himself. Where he stands on a lot of issues of substance remains to be seen. He was too cautious to commit to specific positions.
Were there particular issues or answers that stood out – either in a positive or negative sense?
Sustainable development in general is not his strong suit, but on energy issues there were a few indications that he might take a more progressive view than his predecessor. On the question of how to achieve the much proclaimed goal of spending 3 % of GDP for research and development which was asked at least three times, he basically dodged.
Do you think he is suitable for the portfolio for which they have been proposed?
I am optimistic that he will do better than Máire Geoghegan-Quinn.
Out of ten, what marks would you give his hearing performance?
I gave him six.
