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Look who’s talking: Parliamentary debate in the European Union

Author

Listed:
  • Jonathan B Slapin

    (University of Houston, USA, jonslapin@gmail.com)

  • Sven-Oliver Proksch

    (University of Mannheim, Germany)

Abstract

Legislative speeches are an important part of parliamentary activity in the European Parliament (EP). Using a new dataset on EP speeches, this paper offers an explanation for participation in legislative debates. We argue that floor speeches partially serve as a communication tool between members of parliament, their national parties, and their European political groups. EP group dissidents often go on record by taking the floor when there is a conflict between their national party and their European political group. In this instance, members give speeches for two reasons: to explain their national party’s position to other members of their EP political group, and to create a positive record for themselves in the eyes of the national party to serve their own reelection purposes.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathan B Slapin & Sven-Oliver Proksch, 2010. "Look who’s talking: Parliamentary debate in the European Union," European Union Politics, , vol. 11(3), pages 333-357, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:eeupol:v:11:y:2010:i:3:p:333-357
    DOI: 10.1177/1465116510369266
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    References listed on IDEAS

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