Belgium (The Brussels morning newspaper): As Belgium’s foreign minister, Lahbib is being criticized for her supposed lack of experience especially relating to a controversial visa decision. But Bouchez decided to defend her citing that she has great problem-solving skills and supervised Europe when it was a mess.
Critics have labeled Lahbib as a less experienced and weaker foreign minister. Others disapprove of her decision regarding the controversial visa that was issued to the Mayor of Tehran. Yet, Bouchez, in his comments to The Brussels Times, argues that Lahbib excelled in her role at the head of Belgium’s EU presidency earlier this year and would do well in the Commission.
Why was Lahbib chosen as EU commissioner?
Bouchez observed that after Lahbib took over as president, she obtained a solid understanding of the EU and during her two years as Foreign Minister accumulated a wealth of experience. She supported Ukraine, handled the Middle East conflict, and even managed to free Olivier Vandecasteele from Iran. One of Lahbib’s biggest strengths, according to Bouchez, is that she is good at finding compromises and solving problems. Bouchez said Ursula von der Leyen was the choice of Lahbib in part for good balance. Also everyone wanted a new, modern look and the feminine touch should come from them as a duo so Lahbib is perfect.
Even though we formed a complicated situation of discord when the federal government was launched, MRS Turned out to be picked by Belgium as the EU Commissioner. Instead of Didier Renders, Bouchez opted for Lahbib. Renders, whom Bouchez said he didn’t want to let down. Lahbib, he explained, was a tough choice but necessary. He likened it to the predicament of a soccer manager, forced to pick the one player on whom you rely most. Young and new to the world, Lahbibar was looked upon as an ideal choice to present Belgium in a positive light Bouchez brought up her high level of skill with transferring business and non-professional people to one another, something the EU has found difficult.
