|
by Grandesso Federico
BRUSSELS, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Gianni Pittella, President of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group in the European Parliament told Xinhua in an exclusive interview here on Friday that the Brexit vote was used to reshape the internal political balance in Britain.
"The truth is that someone played with the life of the citizens. It was used, especially in the Tory party. A very serious topic of membership to the EU was used to to redesign the internal political balance in UK and this is unacceptable," he said.
Asked if British people were prepared and informed about the referendum, Pittela said: "No. The proof is that 75 percent of young people, who were the best-informed part of the population, voted to remain."
Pittella said "in the very short term UK, the British pound and the financial district in London are going to be under pressure because of this vote."
"After that, I think that the other anti-EU political parties are going transfer this electoral success on other nations, for example, Marine Le Pen in France or Matteo Salvini in Italy," he added.
"This atmosphere of mistrust on Europe could in fact create a domino effect involving also the financial markets in other EU member states, so we have to prevent this securing the euro and the interests of the citizens," he said.
Asked about the way out, the member of European Parliament (MEP) clarified the negotiation process to enter the EU common market would take at least two years in the best case scenario. The EU will have to renegotiate all treaties with Britain.
"I think it will take maybe 10 years to complete the process and possibly 10 years of economic crisis in Britain," he added.
Talking about a possible free-trade agreement with Europe, Pittella explained that this is a premature debate because first, people will have to finish the "way out" negotiations only after that they will able to launch the talks for a trade agreement.
Regaining citizen's support is now key, he said. "This is a difficult day but it is not the funeral of the EU," he injected.
To stop euro skepticism, Europe needs to support the job market, economic growth and environmental sustainability. It is key to fight fiscal fraud, youth unemployment while having a social agenda based on balanced rules, said the Italian MEP.
"We need to show an EU closer to the citizens. That is why I support the idea of publicly electing the president of the EU Commission. In this way, the president of the EU executive will be more powerful and less dependent on national governments," he said.
Pittella said the notion that immigrants are going to stop coming to Britain if it leaves the EU "is fully false."
"The Leave campaign was all based on inventions. Unfortunately, the lie won but I respect the citizens even if they win because of a lie," he said. Enditem
