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În Bucharest, Commissioner Oettinger presented his public apologies regarding the statements on marriages between persons of the same sex
European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, Gunther Oettinger, has presented, on Thursday, his public apologies regarding the statements that he has made recently regarding marriages between persons of the same sex, considering that the words used in his speeches were poorly chosen.
The Commissioner said that he had time to reflect and came to the conclusion that the words used in his speeches were poorly chosen and hurt those people. He also mentioned that he spoke openly at the time and did not prepare a speech in this sense. At the same time, he mentioned that he believes the private sphere is the domain of each person and anyone can decide privately what kind of family he wants to start.
Referring to his opinions on China, the Commissioner said that China is "an important partner, but also a very strong competitor."
He said that he wanted to draw attention to the fact that Europe cannot lag behind while others are more competitive, providing the example of the CETA as one of an entire region losing credibility. He mentioned that he has a profound respect for the Chinese economy, but that there is need for equal conditions in the relation with China, more specifically both parties have access to the others' respective market.
Invited last week to a reunion of the business milieu in Hamburg, Commissioner Gunther Oettinger - who is set to take over the position for Budget following the resignation of Kristalina Georgieva - had a speech that was recorded by one of the participants, the images being broadcast on Saturday in the online version of German publication Der Spiegel.
The images show Commissioner Oettinger making fun of Chinese ministers, while the person who recorded the video said that he started recording after the Commissioner spoke of a risk to see 'crooks' and those with 'slant eyes' taking advantage of Europe in concluding free trade agreements.
In the same speech Oettinger criticized 'gay marriage being imposed', referencing a debate that is currently taking place in Germany, a country where marriage between persons of the same sex is not permitted.
Thursday, European Commissioner Gunther H. Oettinger has participated in the International Forum Digital Romania - Industry 4.0, organized at the Victoria Palace.