Sivad wrote:So only the unelected executive branch can initiate legislation and the elected body is basically just a rubber stamp for the executive? If I have that right then it sounds like a technocrat's wet dream.
Bernard Connolly: the EU is an “explicitly anti-democratic”, crony capitalist state
Huh, what are you talking about? Yes, the commission has legislative initiative in a sense that commission drafts the laws but they are not the ones that pass them. Those laws need to be approved by the parliament and council not to mention that they can be vetoed of sorts by the ECJ. So when you speak about this then you start sounding also as someone who has no clue why it was done and how it works.
So why is it done like this and how does it work? Well, it is done to harmonize European Law and to prevent it from conflicting with each other/to make it more coherent. On a side note, this provides impartiality of sorts in legislation drafting when i consider the situation. (Impartiality is my opinion)
So how does it work? Well, since they have that legislative initiative then if you want to create a new law/legislation you basically go to the commission to draft it. If the European Parliament wants something -> It goes to the commission -> asks them to draft the bill -> Commission consults with their specialists and the lobbying groups -> Commission drafts something -> Parliament votes on it(In some areas) -> Council votes on it(All areas) -> If needed ECJ checks on it(If there is a dispute) -> draft becomes law.
So you see, your argument kind of falls apart. For starters most executive branches are not elected but are usually chosen from the rank and file of certain parties. In US you only elect the president while the president chooses the candidates for different posts and his aids. In UK the PM and the party chooses the ministers,right?Similar it is in Estonia, where we elect certain parties to the parliament while the parties choose the ministers and pm, we do not vote on the ministers or pm. Such is the logic within the commission. Putting the workers aside, the commission members are chosen by the elected governments in the 28 member states. What is the problem here? Did you not elect your government?
Now the only argument that you have some leg to stand on is that the executive branch possesses legislative initiative. (Ability to draft the text of the law) Usually this power resides with the parliament. Usually the parliament drafts the law and then votes on it. In EU commission drafts the law but the parliament/council votes on it. I honestly do not see a big problem here because it literally doesn't matter who drafts the law because they are ultimately not the ones to decide if it will be voted for or against.
Is this a bit clearer now for you Sivad?