STRASBOURG | The European Parliament has launched an internal investigation procedure with a view to possible sanctions against Bulgarian nationalist MEP Angel Dzhambazki, suspected of having made a Nazi salute on Wednesday in the hemicycle, which he denies.
• Read also: A Bulgarian MP gives a Nazi salute in the hemicycle of the European Parliament
“The procedure has been officially launched,” European Parliament President Roberta Metsola’s spokesperson said on Thursday, adding that there were different steps to follow before a decision was taken.
The rules of procedure of the European Parliament envisage, in the event of an offensive attitude, possible sanctions, including a suspension of parliamentary activities or allowances for MEPs.
The video images available on the European Parliament’s website show Angel Dzhambazki climbing the stairs to the exit of the hemicycle after speaking during a debate, turning around and extending his right arm in front of him with his hand flat for a few seconds before leaving.
“A simple hello, that’s all it was,” wrote the elected official in a message sent to MEPs that AFP consulted.
“As I was leaving the hemicycle, I wanted to apologize for what had happened by humbly waving to the president,” he said, apologizing “if his innocent greeting (.. .) insulted someone” and considering himself the target of “defamation”.
Just before, Angel Dzhambazki had ended his intervention in a debate on the rule of law in Poland and Hungary, by proclaiming “Long live Bulgaria, Hungary, Orban, Fidesz and the Europe of nation states”, which had triggered reactions in the hemicycle.
“We do not in any way admit fascist gestures and symbols. If this has been done, it is extremely serious and sanctions will be taken”, warned shortly after the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Pina Picierno, who led the debate.
“A fascist salute in the European Parliament is unacceptable (…) This gesture is a reminder of the darkest times in our history and must remain there,” tweeted the president of this institution, Roberta Metsola, on Wednesday evening. His message was read in the hemicycle when the debates resumed on Thursday morning.
Many MEPs condemned this gesture, like the president of the main political group in Parliament, the German Manfred Weber (EPP), who called for “immediate sanctions”.
The political group ECR (eurosceptics) to which Mr. Dzhambazki belongs, indicated Thursday in a press release to take “very seriously the accusations” brought against him.
“We are conducting an internal investigation and are awaiting the decision of the European Parliament on this matter”, adds the group, which “strongly condemns (…) the glorification of Nazism and communism, as well as the display of such symbols and gestures” .
The Bulgarian elected official had already caused controversy in 2019, accused of having made xenophobic remarks towards two other MEPs, the French Karima Delli and the German Ismail Ertug, which he had disputed.