Schwerin (dpa/mv) - The DGB Nord supports plans to hold the European elections uniformly on May 9th and then to declare Europe Day a public holiday in the member countries. "This is a reasonable proposal to hold the elections in all EU countries on one day and at the same time to strengthen the idea of Europe," said the Vice-Chairman of the DGB Nord, Ingo Schlueter. He called on economic chambers and business associations in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to give up their "reflexive rejection" of the proposal and to take part in a factual debate.
"The economy will be able to develop successfully, even if there is an additional public holiday every five years. And it will be even more successful in a united, strong Europe," said Schlueter. He was reacting to the sharp criticism of the Mecklenburg-Western Pomeranian Chambers of Industry and Commerce of plans for another holiday. In their opinion, this would weaken the country's economic output by a further 60 million euros. The introduction of Women's Day as a public holiday in the country from 2023 onwards met with massive opposition from the business community.
After a visit to Brussels, Head of State Chancellery Patrick Dahlemann (SPD) referred to the EU Parliament's proposals for reforming European electoral law, sparking a controversy in the country. The majority of parliamentarians had spoken out in favor of holding the European elections uniformly on May 9th and declaring this day a public holiday in the member states. The supporters hope that this will result in a high turnout and a strengthening of the European idea.
In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, European and local elections have been held in one day for a long time. According to the electoral law, this must be a Sunday. According to Dahlemann, it will be difficult to find a compromise before the next elections in 2024. That's why the debate should start early, he said.
