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European Parliament approves proxy voting for MEPs before and after childbirth
The change lets pregnant MEPs and new mothers delegate plenary votes, a shift in how parliamentary voting rights are exercised in the EU.
What happened
On Thursday, the European Parliament endorsed changes to the statute governing the work of MEPs to allow them to delegate their voting rights before and after childbirth. European Parliament+1 The proposal was approved with 578 votes for, 25 against and 4 abstentions. European Parliament The revised rules allow an MEP to arrange for another member to vote on their behalf three months before the expected birth and six months after childbirth. European Parliament+1 The delegation is voluntary and can be withdrawn, and the framework includes safeguards to keep delegated votes transparent and accountable. European Parliament
Around it
The aim, according to Parliament, is to help mothers participate in politics while upholding transparency, accountability and the integrity of parliamentary voting. European Parliament The measure applies only to female MEPs, and male MEPs will not have the same right, which raises questions about the equal sharing of childcare responsibilities. Euronews The temporary exemption applies to the rule requiring MEPs to vote in person during plenary sessions. Euronews
Sources
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