Row breaks out in European Parliament after Polish MEP shocks members with 'sexist' remarks

Backlash: Polish MEP Janusz Korwin-Mikke has suffered a backlash for his sexist comments
AFP/Getty Images
Saphora Smith3 March 2017

A huge row has broken out in the European Parliament after a Polish MEP shocked members with his sexist remarks.

Speaking during a debate on equal pay on Thursday Polish MEP Janusz Korwin-Mikke told members he thought women should be paid less than men.

He told the parliament: “And of course women must earn less than men. They are weaker, they are smaller, they are less intelligent, they must earn less. That’s all.”

In video footage of the speech Mr Korwin-Mikke becomes visibly more defiant as he continued his diatribe against the female sex.

As he goes on shocked gasps can be heard from other members of parliament in the background.

Responding to his comments Iratxe Garcia Perez, an MEP from Spain, told Mr Korwin-Mikke whether he likes it or not women have the same rights as men.

She told the parliament: “Look, according to your theory. I should not have the right to be here, as a member of this parliament.

“And I know it hurts you, I know it hurts and worries you that today women can sit in this house and represent European citizens with the same rights as you.

“European citizens with the same rights as you. I am here to defend all European women from men like you.”

The Polish MEP suffered a backlash on social media with people describing him as "sexist" and his comments "appalling".

Mikael Maes posted on Twitter: "Appalling comments of sexism made by @JkmMikke in the @Europarl_EN"

Wioletta Miczek wrote: "Our Polish 'hero' Shame #misogyny"

Safia Yasin wrote on Facebook: "He lost it! He needs to retire ASAP. Old Dinosaur."

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