MEPs Can Now Vote By Proxy While Pregnant Or On Maternity Leave
Big news for working parents in politics as the European Parliament committee has voted in favour of a rule change that would allow MEPs to vote by proxy during pregnancy and after giving birth, a move hailed as a “giant leap” for modernising the Parliament.
The EP Committee on Constitutional Affairs backed the amendment on Tuesday, proposed by EP President Roberta Metsola.
The vote was 28 in favour, with just one against, far-right Polish MEP Stanisław Tyszka. Under the new rule, pregnant MEPs could designate a colleague to vote on their behalf three months before their estimated due date and six months after childbirth.
Currently, lawmakers must be physically present to vote. While they are excused from meetings three months before and six months after giving birth, they aren’t allowed to vote remotely. Metsola reacted to the vote on X, saying:
“It will be a giant leap in modernising the European Parliament and making it easier for mothers in politics.”
Rapporteur Juan Fernando López Aguilar added:
“No elected representative should ever have to choose between their vote and their child. Introducing proxy voting for MEPs on maternity leave strengthens democratic representation and ensures that voters’ voices continue to be heard in the months before and after childbirth.”
The next step is for the full parliament to vote on the proposal during the upcoming session in Brussels on 12th and 13th November.
After that, the text will be submitted to the European Council, which must approve it unanimously. Any modifications by the Council would then require another majority vote in the Parliament.
If all EU countries give the green light in line with their constitutional rules, this change could soon make it a lot easier for parents to juggle politics and family life.
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