#Maastricht Not to throw flowers on Eickhout again but this debate is just between him and VdL. Asks her whether she would draw a red line at Israel entering Rafah. She says it would be unacceptable but that she draw red lines. He pushes her on what she'd do; she dodges committing to sanctions
The Left dodges the question on whether they would give up on Ukrainian land to get a ceasefire. Twice asks when the EU will put sanctions on Israel for their actions in Gaza, which is VERY popular with the audience. (Young audience.)
Damn, Eikhout is on fire! Repeatedly rips in to the ID candidate on defence policy. Tells them to "clean their own house" with Russia and gets a jab in when he mixes up Belgium and the Netherlands.
And that's a wrap for the climate change section. The moderators wrap it up and move to "Foreign and Security Policy". Which, unless something dramatic happens, will also be a wrap for me. G'night!
... leading to a good back-and-forth between VdL and Eickhout. VdL highlights that the Green Deal supports competitivity, prompting Eikhout to ask why, therefore, she is walking it back with farmers (theme of the night!) VdL squeaks the last word in past the moderators, to support small farms.
The format gives one minute per candidate which keeps things snappy but superficial. Although the candidates are getting in the swing of the "flag for answer". ID candidate gets fired at from all sides...
Zimmermans is asked about housing and gives an answer entirely about farmers 😕 Argues that there is no opposition between farming and the transition. Cut red tape to make it possible, etc.
The Left asks VdL how she can finance the Green Deal "while introducing austerity". @bmoens.bsky.social cuts him off going over time. VdL talks about the need to bring in private money.
"To participate in the debate, candidates must be formally chosen by one of the ten recognized European political parties to be a leading candidate (...)" I had never heard of the European Christian Political Movement but apparently they have five seats, a lead candidate, and a weird vibe.