Yesterday, Martin Schulz, a bookseller from a small town in Germany, was confirmed as president of the European Parliament. He is a socialist, therefore not from the conservative majority in the Parliament, and a fervent supporter of Europe. Both factors make the appointment unusual, although I have to add at the socialist S&D group and the conservative EPP agreed to share the presidential post beforehand.
But the appointment marks something more significant – a triumph over old-fashioned stereotypes in European politics.
Martin Schulz does not come from a high-profile political family, like outgoing president Jerzy Buzek. He does not have a PhD, a master degree or even a bachelor degree. Schultz dropped out of school before completing his A-levels, and went on to become a bookseller.
What Schulz does have, and what has now proven to be more important than academic titles and connections, is a good dose of political fighting spirit and a passionate love for Europe. Joining the SPD at age 19, he became mayor of his village of Würsele. He then moved (or was moved?) on to Brussels, where he soon carved out a profile for himself, culminating in his post as head of the socialist group in the European Parliament.
Being German, Schulz got the usual Nazi-Shtick from the more wit-challenged politicians around him. I was watching live when British MEP Godfrey Bloom made Nazi comments during a Schulz speech in 2010, and I saw how deeply hurt he was. Yet he continued on stoically with his speech, while Buzek kicked Bloom out of the debating hall.
So, there were quite a few obstacles to overcome for Schulz, and his elation shows on the pictures taken of him right after the election results. He got the full majority after the very first election.
It's a dream come true for Martin Schulz
Schulz, unlike Buzek, is a Europe fan to the core. In these austere times, when many member states turn their back on Europe (and the Euro) he is just the right person to renew Europe’s sparkle, to create the excitement that’s been lost for so many years. His introductory speech is beautiful and honest. But of course it remains to be seen whether he will live up to his promises.
But even more exciting is the fact that someone with a relatively humble background managed to get so far. In German politics, a PhD is essential if you want to get somewhere, and not even zu Guttenberg has managed to break this rule. Schulz, however, has shown his own country that political capability has little to do with a doctoral hat, and this will hopefully encourage more people with political zeal but only average formal education to join politics.
As with any politician, Schulz is not without controversies. But I really hope that his deep-rooted love for Europe and his passion for politics will give the European Parliament, and EU politics in general, a new impetus. His history has certainly prepared him for a fight.
