Van Rompuy, front-runner for presidency, wants EU-wide tax (to fund welfare state)

[Mouroux]

The Belgian PM and front runner for the post of President within the EU is a proponent of an EU wide tax (carbon/fart tax) to fund Social Welfare (and systematically undermine and erode the middle-classes).

And yes he set out his plans at a private (secretive) 'Bilderberg' meeting. I know we reflexively say the Bilderberg meetings are just the stuff of fantasy, but low and behold we have a mainstream source on his attendance at the meeting:

Herman Van Rompuy, front-runner for presidency, wants EU-wide tax - Times Online

"Herman Van Rompuy, the Belgian Prime Minister, broke his silence before Thursday’s summit to choose the president — but only at a meeting of the secretive Bilderberg group of top politicians, bankers and businessmen."

Members of elitist banking dynasties (and yes their lineage stretches way back -checkable fact) typically defend Bilderberg meetings saying they need 'privacy' and not to be always under the spotlight, and that therefore the meetings are 'intellectual' in nature, are are in no way agenda driven. But hey, they gave Henry Kissinger (various judges have issued warrants against him citing possible crimes of agression/crimes against humanity) a Nobel Peace Prize, so stranger claims have been made.

Perhaps this is a 'conspiracy' on the part of the Times etc. to cover-up the shocking reality that conspiracies do not happen? Previous mainstream articles describe how Bilderberg venues are 'locked down' and various secret services collaborate to ensure this 'privacy'.

Even if you are one of those who dream of a utopian future for humanity (possibly in the near future -soooo exciting!)... are you not the least bit perturbed by the fact of this guy reporting his plans at Bilderberg? Or do you get that lovely warm feeling of satisfaction that yes those clever moneyed people are working so hard to look after your interests?

[marmurr1916]

Big deal.

Even if he gets the job, he'll have no power to implement any changes to the way the EU is funded.*

That would require a unanimous vote and would then need to be ratified by each Member State in accordance with its constitutional requirements.

*In fact, he'll have no power to do anything but chair meetings, represent the heads of government and send reports to the EU Parliament.

If the President of the European Council is such a powerful position, how come Merkel, Sarkozy, Brown or even Cowen aren't putting their names forward?

[Niceguyeddie]

Probably making a rod for my own back here, but I see some merit in his idea....

[corelli]

Big deal.

Even if he gets the job, he'll have no power to implement any changes to the way the EU is funded.*

That would require a unanimous vote and would then need to be ratified by each Member State in accordance with its constitutional requirements.

*In fact, he'll have no power to do anything but chair meetings, represent the heads of government and send reports to the EU Parliament.

If the President of the European Council is such a powerful position, how come Merkel, Sarkozy, Brown or even Cowen aren't putting their names forward?

Exactly. Non story.

[paulp]

Big deal.

Even if he gets the job, he'll have no power to implement any changes to the way the EU is funded.*

That would require a unanimous vote and would then need to be ratified by each Member State in accordance with its constitutional requirements.

*In fact, he'll have no power to do anything but chair meetings, represent the heads of government and send reports to the EU Parliament.

This is a powerful position.
Who ever is in this position cannot make the decision, but can push an agenda

If the President of the European Council is such a powerful position, how come Merkel, Sarkozy, Brown or even Cowen aren't putting their names forward?

1. They have jobs
2. They wouldn't get this job (Italians woudn't have Merkel, French wouldn't have Brown etc)

[marmurr1916]

This is a powerful position.
Who ever is in this position cannot make the decision, but can push an agenda

They can try to push an agenda, but since they have absolutely no power to implement that agenda...

1. They have jobs

But this job is so powerful (according to some) that it would be worth giving up their existing jobs.

2. They wouldn't get this job (Italians woudn't have Merkel, French wouldn't have Brown etc)

A unanimous vote isn't needed - the Treaty of Lisbon provides for a Qualified Majority Vote for the position.

[paulp]

They can try to push an agenda, but since they have absolutely no power to implement that agenda...

so we're agreed, they haven't power to implement, but have position where they can push an agenda

But this job is so powerful (according to some) that it would be worth giving up their existing jobs.

I didtn't say (or mean to imply) it was that powerful, just that it is certainly not powerless.

A unanimous vote isn't needed - the Treaty of Lisbon provides for a Qualified Majority Vote for the position.

yes, but if France/UK/Germany/Italy object to a candidate, that candidate won't get elected QED. Not because of QMV, but because everyone wants to keep these countries on side for future votes.

[marmurr1916]

so we're agreed, they haven't power to implement, but have position where they can push an agenda

What good is being able to outline what you want if you have no power to get it?

yes, but if France/UK/Germany/Italy object to a candidate, that candidate won't get elected QED. Not because of QMV, but because everyone wants to keep these countries on side for future votes.

Sure, because the UK/France/Germany/Italy always agree on everything...

[Boggle]

Big deal.



That would require a unanimous vote and would then need to be ratified by each Member State in accordance with its constitutional requirements.

*In fact, he'll have no power to do anything but chair meetings, represent the heads of government and send reports to the EU Parliament.

Yeah, I can imagine the choice we'll have:
Vote yes to let Europe take care of the 20Bn welfare bill.
Vote No to see the ECB put the brakes on lending.

That being said, i see merit to having a pool to cater for some aspects of welfare in the EU - especially given the media reports of welfare tourism - something which we also voted to allow... So nothings beyond the realms of imagination.

[kerdasi amaq]

So, if he doesn't have the authority to introduce such a tax, why is he talking of doing so?