Slovakian MEP Releases Dove in European Parliament Chamber

In an unexpected turn of events, Miroslav Radačovský, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from Slovakia, secretly brought a live dove into the parliamentary chamber in Strasbourg, France and released it during a speech on Wednesday.

Radačovský, who leads the far-right Slovak Patriot party, said he wanted to release the dove as a "symbol of peace" and to wish "the whole world, the Russians and the Ukrainians" peace.

The incident caused a commotion and disruption to the proceedings. Caroline Roose, an MEP from the Greens party, condemned Radačovský's use of a live animal for a political statement. "It is absolutely unacceptable to release a bird in the hemicycle. We are here to debate and vote, not to make gestures that can harm the animal," she said. Roose also raised concerns about the welfare and fate of the released dove.

Radačovský is considered one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's top supporters in the European Parliament based on his voting record on resolutions related to Russia's human rights violations, the war in Ukraine, and anti-Russian sanctions. He previously called for peace between Russia and Ukraine in an interview with a Russian propaganda channel, although he later claimed he did not know who they were.

The parliament's vice president agreed that the stunt was unacceptable and said they would report the incident to the president. It remains unclear what, if any, consequences Radačovský may face for his actions.

Why this matters: The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and divisions within the European Parliament over the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia. It also raises questions about the use of symbolic gestures and disruptions in parliamentary proceedings.

In the aftermath of the dove release, MEPs expressed their dismay and criticism. Many felt that Radačovský's action was not in line with the rules and decorum of the parliamentary chamber. The incident was reported to the president of the parliament, and concerns were raised about the well-being of the dove and the potential for animal welfare issues stemming from such stunts.

Key Takeaways

• MEP Radačovský released a live dove in EU Parliament, claiming it as a "peace symbol".
• The stunt caused disruption and was condemned by other MEPs as unacceptable and harmful to the animal.
• Radačovský is considered a top supporter of Russian President Putin in the EU Parliament.
• The incident highlights tensions in the EU Parliament over the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia.
• The parliament will report the incident to the president, but consequences for Radačovský remain unclear.