The President of the European Parliament (EP) Roberta Metsolová confirmed on Wednesday that China abolished the sanctions imposed on all five current and former EP members, including Slovak MEP Miriam Lexmann (EPP/KDH). Lexmann confirmed the abolition of sanctions against his person on social networks, TASR reports.
“The Communist Party of China has lifted sanctions against the European Parliament MPs, including me. However, I do not know the details to what extent to be canceled. I acknowledge this. But I believe that this step is manipulative in nature and it is a form of pressure to make the EU concessions to this communist regime,” Lexmann wrote.
Sanctions since 2021
In 2021, China imposed sanctions at Ilhan Kiučiuk, Reinhard Bütikofer and Michael Gahler. According to her own words, the Slovak MEP got on the list after co-operating the EP report on the detention of the Muslim minority of the Ujgurov in internal camps in the Chinese province of Sinjiang and the suppression of their ethnic and religious identity by the Government in Beijing.
Lexmann hopes that, after the abolition of EU sanctions, he will not make a change in politics or alleviate an attitude on fundamental issues. The paper points out that “the Chinese Communist Party has not recognized the failure in observance of human rights, continues to undermine the pillars of our democracy, nor does it weaken influence operations against European political authorities.”
Statements of other MEPs
Like Lexmann, another sanctioned EP member Raphaël Glucksmann said on Wednesday. “The abolition of sanctions does not change the facts,” said the French MEP, who pointed out the mass deportations of Ujgurov and systematic forced work.
Experts perceive the potential alleviation of China’s sanctions against MEPs as an effort to win the favor of a block in the midst of an uncertainty created by a customs policy of US President Donald Trump. However, according to Deutsche Welle (DW), it is unlikely that a frozen investment agreement signed by the parties at the end of 2020 will be resumed. But Trump’s steps have encouraged the European Union to start commercial negotiations with countries around the world.
“If the Chinese Communist regime is serious about the withdrawal of sanctions, I am waiting for an invitation so that I can put flowers on the heavenly Square in memory of all freedom and democracy fighters who have lost their lives and respect for all who followed them,” Lexmann wrote.
