Right-Wing MEPs Push EU Parliament to Condemn Murder of Charlie Kirk
A coalition of 84 right-wing Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) is spearheading a move to pass a formal resolution condemning the recent murders of U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk and Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska. The proposed resolution calls for the European Parliament to denounce ideological hatred and political violence, igniting a procedural and political battle within the EU’s governing body.
The Tragic Incidents Behind the Resolution
The resolution cites two high-profile killings:
Charlie Kirk: The 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA was fatally shot on September 10th while speaking at Utah Valley University.
Iryna Zarutska: A Ukrainian refugee, was fatally stabbed in North Carolina in August, a tragic incident that has raised concerns about the safety of displaced individuals living abroad.
The murders sparked strong global reactions:
Donald Trump condemned both killings.
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni called Kirk’s death “shocking” and “a deep wound for democracy.”
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola described the assassination as “absolutely horrific.”
What the Proposed Resolution Demands
The resolution, spearheaded primarily by Patriots for Europe (PfE) MEPs such as Susanna Ceccardi and Paolo Borchia of the League party, aims to address both the immediate tragedy and broader systemic concerns:
Express solidarity with victims’ families: Formally acknowledge the grief and loss suffered by the families of Charlie Kirk and Zarutska, offering institutional support and recognition of their plight.
Condemn all forms of political and extremist violence: Send a clear message that any act of violence motivated by ideology, whether left- or right-wing, is unacceptable in a democratic society.
Urge transparent media coverage: Advocate for responsible reporting that neither downplays nor selectively emphasizes incidents, ensuring that extremist acts are covered fairly and comprehensively.
The resolution is gaining cross-party support beyond the PfE, including backing from members of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group. Notable supporters include Dominik Tarczyński from Poland, Carlo Fidanza from Italy, and Charlie Weimers from Sweden, reflecting a growing consensus among center-right and conservative MEPs on the need to address political violence and media accountability across the EU.
Political Tensions and Procedural Hurdles
The resolution follows a heated moment in the Strasbourg plenary session, when Swedish MEP Charlie Weimers requested a minute of silence for Charlie Kirk—rejected by Vice-President Katarina Barley. The refusal triggered protests from right-wing lawmakers.
The current push aims to convert that symbolic request into a formal, voted-upon resolution. But its path remains uncertain:
President Roberta Metsola’s office must first review it.
The Conference of Presidents (leaders of all parliamentary groups) will then decide if it enters the plenary agenda.
If approved, a vote could take place in the October 6–9 session.
Broader Implications: Free Speech and Political Violence
Beyond condemning the tragic deaths of Charlie Kirk and Zarutska, the proposed resolution brings attention to a series of broader and more systemic concerns:
The Rise of Political Violence: The incidents are being cited as evidence of growing ideological extremism across Europe, highlighting how political discourse is increasingly spilling over into physical confrontations.
The Role of Institutions: The resolution raises important questions about how the EU and its institutions should recognize or commemorate politically divisive figures, and what responsibilities they bear in promoting a balanced, inclusive historical narrative.
Media Accountability: It also underscores debates over media coverage, echoing claims from right-wing commentators that mainstream outlets often underreport or minimize violence perpetrated by left-wing extremists, thereby influencing public perception and accountability.
The outcome of this resolution is likely to serve as a key barometer of the European Parliament’s readiness to confront these complex and polarizing issues, testing its capacity to navigate ideological divides amid a landscape of deepening political polarization across the continent.
