Text tabled : A7-0029/2012

  Andreas Mölzer (NI), in writing. – (DE) This report, which aims to increase the proportion of women taking part in decision-making processes, is, unfortunately, a complete failure. Instead of carrying out an objective analysis of the situation and proposing sensible, practical measures, it has deteriorated into a left-wing feminist tract. In addition to completely disregarding the subsidiarity of the Member States’ authority, it calls for mandatory quotas for women in management positions (boards of directors, supervisory boards, etc.). This type of measure is otherwise only familiar to us in the context of communist dictatorships and it contradicts the principle of private autonomy. Companies and other organisations, including public bodies and political parties, must be free to choose the person they appoint to a particular position. The decision should be made primarily on the basis of qualifications and not gender. Quotas for lists of candidates for European, national and regional elections are not practical because some Member States do not use the system of proportional representation, and they also make no sense. We must not restrict the freedom of voters to make their own decisions. They can use a preferential vote, for example, to choose the candidate they want. In addition, the various parties have different structures. A party with a majority of female members will nominate more women and vice versa. Finally, it is clear that the principle of supply and demand produces good results in this area, while mandatory measures dictated by the EU do not. This is why I have voted against the report.