Li Andersson set to chair European Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

Li Andersson, of the Left Alliance party, is set to become the chairperson of the European Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs. This was confirmed on Monday when the left-wing group was assured of the chairmanship, with Andersson being their proposed candidate for the role. The official selection will take place during the week commencing 22nd July when the committees organize.

Andersson expressed her satisfaction and excitement about the opportunity in a statement. She described it as a significant and influential role, providing excellent opportunities to influence important issues such as workers’ rights and the social dimension of Europe. As the chairperson of the committee, Andersson will also play a crucial role in the selection of new commissioners. Henna Virkkunen (National Coalition Party) has been proposed as the Finnish commissioner.

Andersson highlighted the rise of the far-right across Europe and emphasized the importance of European decision-making in combating growing inequality. She also stressed the need for measures to combat labor market criminality and improve working conditions.

It has been a while since a Finnish Member of the European Parliament (MEP) has chaired one of the Parliament’s main committees. The last Finn to do so was Heidi Hautala (Green Party), who chaired the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality from 1998 to 1999 and the Subcommittee on Human Rights from 2009 to 2011.

Another significant appointment in the parliament is that of Anna-Maja Henriksson (Swedish People’s Party), who was earlier reported to have been elected as the deputy chairperson of the European Parliament’s Renew group. In addition to the Swedish People’s Party, the Centre Party from Finland is also a member of this group.