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PoliticsFrenchman Philippe Musquar appointed to lead EU political parties watchdog, embarrassing Paris
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Philippe Musquar, a French national, has been selected to head the Authority for European Political Parties and European Political Foundations (APPF), a little-known EU body that oversees party financing and adherence to EU values. The appointment, decided by secretaries-general of EU institutions, faced criticism for its lack of transparency. France, along with Spain, Portugal, and the Czech Republic, abstained from the validation vote, though this did not block the process. Musquar's closeness to the Les Républicains party and the opaque procedure have caused embarrassment for Paris. The appointment is set to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Source report
The European Parliament hemicycle in Brussels, November 12, 2025. NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP
This is an appointment that could have gone unnoticed, as the Authority for European Political Parties and European Political Foundations (APPF) is unknown to the general public. And for good reason: the APPF does not seek the spotlight. Operating in the shadows since its creation ten years ago, it ensures that European parties respect the values of the Union and finance themselves transparently.
At its head since 2021, Frenchman Pascal Schonard is about to hand over to a compatriot: Philippe Musquar, who was chosen a few weeks ago by the secretaries-general of the Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the European Union, representing the member states. The Twenty-Seven then had until Friday, July 24 to validate the decision.
Paris took its time to respond. At the last minute, France indicated in writing that it would abstain, according to information from the online media Euractiv confirmed to Le Monde by several diplomats. Some of them emphasize the lack of transparency in the procedure. It is not the only country to object. According to Le Monde's information, Spain, Portugal, and the Czech Republic also abstained. These votes are not enough to block the procedure. Philippe Musquar's appointment will soon appear in the Official Journal of the European Union.
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Politique : Toute l’actualité sur Le Monde.fr.Western
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Frenchman Philippe Musquar's Appointment to Lead EU Political Parties Watchdog Embarrasses Paris