The popular news websites picked its top 40 most influential members of the European Parliament, putting the Lithuanian businessman-politician at the 38th spot.
“This Lithuanian MEP brings something often missing from Parliament: charisma. The closest thing the Parliament has to a Donald Trump, the independently wealthy Guoga is unafraid to tackle the most sensitive issues in new ways. Whether that is rapping about Greek economic complacency, slamming Vladimir Putin on Twitter, or pointing out how the Schengen zone is helping to depopulate his home country,” Politico summarizes Guoga’s appeal, calling him a “rising star”.
The latter designation contrasts sharply with Guoga’s political fortunes at home where he has been ostracised by his party, the Lithuanian Liberal Movement, and liberal pundits alike.
Until recently the deputy chairman of the Liberal Movement, Guoga was forced to leave the party this week in the wake of controversial comments about corruption allegations against fellow liberal and party leader Eligijus Masiulis. Guoga suggested that Masiulis, who is suspected of taking a bribe from a business company, might be guilty and that corruption could be running deep inside his party.
Guoga’s past career as a poker champion has given fertile ground for puns by commentators noting his lack of political judgement when handling the political crisis that befell his party.
Some liberals have even suggested Guoga should give up his seat at the EP he was elected to on the liberal ticket.
Politico’s list of “40 MEPs who actually matter” is topped by EP President Martin Schulz, the French euro-sceptic politician Marine Le Pen and Belgian MEP Guy Verhofstadt. Britain’s notorious anti-EU campaigner Nigel Farage is number five.
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