Oliver Varhelyi, the European Union (EU) member responsible for neighborhood and enlargement, left his microphone on in the session on “Strengthened EU Western Balkans enlargement policy” and insulted the deputies. After answering the question of a deputy, Varhelyi said, “How many other idiots are still left?” His blunder was heard by everyone in the hall.
Following the incident, lawmakers called for an “independent and impartial” investigation into Varhelyi’s behaviors. German MP Delara Burkhardt defended that insulting members of the European Parliament who are doing their job by asking critical questions must have consequences.
French lawmaker Valerie Hayer said: “At least idiots know when their microphones are on. That’s what separates them from the big idiots.”