Latest news with #ECR
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
MEPs seek Commission President von der Leyen's resignation with censure motion
A group of European lawmakers has launched an initiative for a no-confidence vote against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, claiming to have collected more than the required 72 signatures to formally submit the motion. Although unlikely to pass, the censure motion could pave the way to broader consequences, replicating the path that led in the 1990s to the voluntary resignation of the EU executive led by Jacques Santer. The move comes in response to a recent court ruling criticising von der Leyen's lack of transparency in relation to the so-called 'Pfizergate' scandal, as well as broader allegations of bypassing the European Parliament and centralising power within the Commission. Romanian hard-right MEP Gheorghe Piperea announced he would submit the motion of censure this week, having gathered signatures from MEPs across at least three political groupings on the right and far-right spectrum: the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), the Patriots, the European of Sovereign Nations group (ESN), as well as some non-affiliated members. Despite participation from individual conservative MEPs, the initiative does not officially represent the ECR group, which includes Italy's ruling party, Fratelli d'Italia, led by Giorgia Meloni. 'ECR MEPs participating in this initiative are doing so on an individual basis,' a spokesperson clarified. While the threshold to initiate a no-confidence vote is relatively low, the chances of removing von der Leyen and her Commission are slim. Such a motion requires a two-thirds majority in the 720-seat European Parliament. 'I hope other groups will join the motion, but I'm not naive,' Piperea told Euronews, acknowledging the unlikelihood of success. Related How the love story between von der Leyen and Pfizer turned sour That is not the direct aim however. 'Still, we could gather a couple hundred votes, which may trigger a broader debate among politicians and the public, possibly leading to her voluntary resignation,' said Piperea. No-confidence votes are infrequent but historically significant in the European Parliament. In 1999, the entire European Commission, led by Jacques Santer, resigned amid fraud allegations and transparency issues, despite surviving a confidence vote. Piperea, a lawyer by profession, said that even if the motion fails, it could serve as a valuable political tool. 'There seems to be an unwritten rule that the Commission, and von der Leyen in particular, cannot be held accountable for mistakes or failures. We must end this. In a democracy, there should be accountability, oversight, and responsibility.' The primary driver behind the motion is the ongoing 'Pfizergate' controversy, centred on von der Leyen's refusal to disclose text messages exchanged with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla during COVID-19 vaccine negotiations. For this matter, the EU court recently ruled against her. The motion also criticises her handling of legislative affairs, including the withdrawal of environmental proposals without proper consultation with Parliament. Related Commission's Pfizergate loss hailed as 'victory for transparency' The court ruling has amplified criticism of von der Leyen across the political spectrum, with socialists, liberals, and greens voicing concern over her leadership and transparency. According to Piperea, socialist MEPs are also discontented with recent budget cuts to anti-poverty programmes. Nonetheless, the only scenario that could pose a real threat to von der Leyen would likely be a perfect storm, in which a wide range of political groups—including members of her own centre-right European People's Party (EPP)—turn against her for different reasons. The far-right origins of this initiative may deter broader support for it however. A source from The Left group, which has been among the most vocal opponents of von der Leyen and previously filed its own motion of censure, expressed scepticism. 'Some delegations in our group are strongly committed to the cordon sanitaire and avoid cooperation with the ECR,' the source said. 'They've supported Commissioner Fitto during this mandate and didn't back our earlier censure motion. This feels more like a communication stunt.' Piperea acknowledged the ideological roadblocks. 'Some groups aren't fully opposed to the motion itself, but they hesitate simply because it's coming from the right,' he said.
Euronews
2 days ago
- Politics
- Euronews
MEPs seek EU Commission president's resignation with censure motion
A group of European lawmakers has launched an initiative for a no-confidence vote against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, claiming to have collected more than the required 72 signatures to formally submit the motion. Although unlikely to pass, the censure motion could pave the way to broader consequences, replicating the path that led in the 1990s to the voluntary resignation of the EU executive led by Jacques Santer. The move comes in response to a recent court ruling criticising von der Leyen's lack of transparency in relation to the so-called 'Pfizergate' scandal, as well as broader allegations of bypassing the European Parliament and centralising power within the Commission. Romanian hard-right MEP Gheorghe Piperea announced he would submit the motion of censure this week, having gathered signatures from MEPs across at least three political groupings on the right and far-right spectrum: the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), the Patriots, the European of Sovereign Nations group (ESN), as well as some non-affiliated members. Despite participation from individual conservative MEPs, the initiative does not officially represent the ECR group, which includes Italy's ruling party, Fratelli d'Italia, led by Giorgia Meloni. 'ECR MEPs participating in this initiative are doing so on an individual basis,' a spokesperson clarified. While the threshold to initiate a no-confidence vote is relatively low, the chances of removing von der Leyen and her Commission are slim. Such a motion requires a two-thirds majority in the 720-seat European Parliament. 'I hope other groups will join the motion, but I'm not naive,' Piperea told Euronews, acknowledging the unlikelihood of success. The 'Santer Commission' precedent That is not the direct aim however. 'Still, we could gather a couple hundred votes, which may trigger a broader debate among politicians and the public, possibly leading to her voluntary resignation,' said Piperea. No-confidence votes are infrequent but historically significant in the European Parliament. In 1999, the entire European Commission, led by Jacques Santer, resigned amid fraud allegations and transparency issues, despite surviving a confidence vote. Piperea, a lawyer by profession, said that even if the motion fails, it could serve as a valuable political tool. 'There seems to be an unwritten rule that the Commission, and von der Leyen in particular, cannot be held accountable for mistakes or failures. We must end this. In a democracy, there should be accountability, oversight, and responsibility.' The primary driver behind the motion is the ongoing 'Pfizergate' controversy, centred on von der Leyen's refusal to disclose text messages exchanged with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla during COVID-19 vaccine negotiations, For this matter, the EU court recently ruled against her. The motion also criticises her handling of legislative affairs, including the withdrawal of environmental proposals without proper consultation with Parliament. Unlikely perfect storm scenario The court ruling has amplified criticism of von der Leyen across the political spectrum, with socialists, liberals, and greens voicing concern over her leadership and transparency. According to Piperea, socialist MEPs are also discontented with recent budget cuts to anti-poverty programs. Nonetheless, the only scenario that could pose a real threat to von der Leyen would likely be a perfect storm, in which a wide range of political groups—including members of her own centre-right European People's Party (EPP)—turn against her for different reasons. The far-right origins of this initiative may deter broader support for it however. A source from The Left group, which has been among the most vocal opponents of von der Leyen and previously filed its own motion of censure, expressed scepticism. 'Some delegations in our group are strongly committed to the cordon sanitaire and avoid cooperation with the ECR,' the source said. 'They've supported Commissioner Fitto during this mandate and didn't back our earlier censure motion. This feels more like a communication stunt.' Piperea acknowledged the ideological roadblocks. 'Some groups aren't fully opposed to the motion itself, but they hesitate simply because it's coming from the right,' he said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Shrawani Mela special train from July 11
Patna: The railways has decided to run one pair of Shrawani Mela special train ( 03511/03512 ) between Asansol and Patna from July 11 to August 10. The special train will run five days in a week from Asansol at 5pm and reach Patna at 1.30 am. On its return it will leave Patna at 2.50am and reach Asansol at 10.30 am, ECR's chief public relations officer (CPRO) Saraswati Chandra said. He said the special train will stop at Chitranjan, Madhupur, Jasidih, Jhajha, Jamui , Kiul , Lakhisarai , Mankatha, Barahiya , Hathida, Mokama, Barh , Bakhtiyarpur , Fatuha, Patna Sahib and Rajendra Nagar Terminal.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
7,799 train passengers fined for ticketless travel in Sonepur division
Patna: Sonepur division of the East Central Railway (ECR) has recorded a collection of Rs 59,04,320 as fine and arrested 7,799 passengers for ticketless travel in a single day operation conducted on June 23, said Sonepur divisional railway manager, (DRM) Vivek Bhushan Sood. According to Sood, each travelling ticket examiner (TTE) in the Sonepur division achieved an exceptional daily average earning of Rs 8,137, surpassing the ECR's average of Rs 6,911 per TTE. This impressive performance marks a significant leap in both operational efficiency and revenue generation for the division, he said. Sonepur senior divisional commercial manager (senior DCM) Raushan Kumar on Wednesday told this newspaper that the large-scale drive targeted unauthorised travel on mail and express trains with a special focus on reserved coaches. "The action not only contributed to cleaner and more orderly passenger services, but also offered much needed relief to the genuine passengers in peak summer," he said, adding a positive outcome of the operation was a 15% rise in sale of unreserved tickets across the division. "Coordinated effort reflected our commitment to enhancing passenger experience while safeguarding railway revenue. The response from passengers has been largely supportive and we will continue such drives to maintain discipline and fairness in the system," Kumar said.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
International yoga day celebrated across state
1 2 3 4 5 6 Patna/Buxar: The 11th International Yoga Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm across the state on Saturday. Governor, ministers, vice-chancellors, railway officials and employees, teachers and students, along with common people, participated in yoga sessions organised by different institutions. The theme of the celebrations this year was "Yoga for One Earth, One Health." Governor-cum-chancellor, Arif Mohammed Khan, along with other officials of the chancellor's secretariat, practised different asanas under the guidance of Navanit Niland from the ministry of ayush and Raj Mani Singh of Bihar Yoga School, Munger. Speaking on the occasion, the governor said yoga is beneficial for our physical fitness. Lady governor Reshma Arif participated in the yoga session organised by the Mahila Imdad Committee at Raj Bhavan and appreciated the growing interest of women towards yoga. Patna University (PU) vice-chancellor Ajay Kumar Singh led a yoga session at Patna Science College ground, which was attended by a large number of students, teachers, and non-teaching staff. The programme, jointly organised by the National Service Scheme (NSS) and the PU Yoga Centre, was conducted by Patna Science College principal Atul Aditya Pandey. PU dean of students' welfare Anil Kumar, proctor Manoj Kumar Sinha, and registrar Shalini were also present on the occasion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mensualités: Bonne nouvelle pour les propriétaires étouffés par les crédits Bons plans propriétaires En savoir plus Undo At Patna Women's College, the day was celebrated with great enthusiasm by imparting yoga training to the college girls at a programme organised by Daksh and Housla clubs of the college. The session started with a meditation exercise, after which yoga instructor Manjula Shushila performed various yoga asanas. The National Service Scheme of Magadh Mahila College organised a yoga camp near Garima Hostel on the campus. The railways organised yoga camps at various locations under the East Central Railway (ECR) jurisdiction. The initiative saw active participation from railway officials, employees and family members. According to ECR's chief public relations officer (CPRO) Saraswati Chandra, yoga sessions were conducted on Patliputra rail premises in Patna, divisional offices, and railway colonies across key cities, including Patna, Danapur, Samastipur and Sonepur. He said ECR Women's Welfare Organisation president Sunita Singh also participated in the yoga session along with other women members. ECR GM Chhatrasal Singh led the session on the Patliputra rail premises, while Danapur DRM Jayant Kumar Choudhary led the session at the railway officers' club at Khagaul. At a function held at Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh said yoga can reduce stress and anxiety. Dr Gudakesh Vats from the ministry of Ayush led the session, guiding participants through various common yoga protocols. Another yoga session was organised jointly by the department of art, culture and youth and Bihar Lalit Kala Akademi. At Buxar, yoga day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Government Engineering College, Buxar. Faculty members, staff, and students actively participated in a group yoga session organised on the campus. Addressing the gathering, principal Ram Naresh Rai emphasised the benefits of yoga.
