The European People’s Party (EPP) has expelled Slovenian Member of the European Parliament Branko Grims following a group vote of 131 to 7. According to the STA news agency, the EPP cited poor work discipline, voting against group positions, and cooperation with far-right political actors as the primary reasons for the decision.
Why did the EPP expel Branko Grims?
The EPP leadership stated that the expulsion follows a recommendation from the faction’s presidency issued last week. The decision concludes several months of internal disputes regarding Grims’ conduct and alignment with the group’s core values.
According to EPP officials, the group identified three specific areas of concern:
- Work Discipline: The EPP claims Grims failed to engage sufficiently in the group’s collective parliamentary work.
- Voting Record: The group reported that Grims frequently voted against official EPP positions.
- Political Alignment: The EPP accused Grims of collaborating with far-right elements at the expense of the group’s interests.
Specific incidents cited by the EPP include Grims’ participation in an event with far-right MEPs in mid-May. The group also pointed to his public support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán during the Hungarian parliamentary elections and his criticism of an EU court ruling regarding Hungary’s child protection law.
Political groups in the European Parliament, like the EPP, operate as factions that coordinate voting strategies and policy positions to increase their collective influence in EU decision-making.
How has Branko Grims responded to the allegations?
Grims has rejected the EPP’s characterization of his expulsion. He argues that the disciplinary claims regarding his work performance are inaccurate and serve as a cover for ideological disagreements.
Grims maintains that he is being penalized for defending conservative principles. He specifically cited his opposition to what he termed “LGBT+ indoctrination of children,” his support for stricter migration policies, and his defense of freedom of speech as the true drivers of the EPP’s decision.
What is the reaction within the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS)?
The expulsion has caused a split in responses from Grims’ home party, the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS). While some leaders expressed hope for his retention, others have called for his departure.
Romana Tomcová, an SDS MEP, urged Grims to resign his mandate. Her goal is to allow a substitute to take his place, which would ensure the SDS maintains four representatives within the EPP faction.
Before the vote, SDS leader Janez Janša and MEP Milan Zver expressed hope that Grims would not be expelled. Zver specifically requested that his EPP colleagues prioritize “dialogue before expulsion.”
Despite the individual expulsion, EPP President Manfred Weber indicated that the broader relationship between the EPP and the SDS remains unchanged.
Comparison of Expulsion Justifications
| Source of Claim | Primary Argument |
|---|---|
| EPP Leadership | Poor work discipline, voting against group stances, and far-right collaboration. |
| Branko Grims | Defense of conservative values, migration control, and freedom of speech. |
What happens next for Grims and the EPP?
It remains unclear how Grims will proceed following his removal from the EPP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the vote count for Grims’ expulsion?
The expulsion was approved by 131 MEPs, with seven voting against and seven abstaining.
Will the SDS lose its representation in the EPP?
Not necessarily. If Grims resigns his mandate, a substitute from the SDS can take his place, maintaining the party’s current number of representatives.
What were the specific political ties cited by the EPP?
The EPP cited Grims’ support for Viktor Orbán and his participation in events with far-right MEPs.
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