Text tabled : A7-0354/2011

  Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE), in writing. – (RO) I voted for Amendment 26 of the report on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2012. Therefore, I voted to reduce the number of business class journeys that Members of the European Parliament make because we too need to cut costs during this difficult period. In addition, I think that the European Parliament should not pay for business class tickets (at least) for journeys shorter than four hours.

It is possible to read and work too in economy class where we are also alongside those whom we represent, and we can talk to them. I travel economy class so that there is no discrepancy between how I have voted and what I do.

I also voted for Amendment 27 requesting that none of the MEPs’ allowances are indexed. I think that we need to show solidarity with Europe’s citizens during this time of financial crisis.

These measures are neither populist nor communist, but a sign of common sense and solidarity with those whom we represent.