Viviane Reding: Citizenship For Sale
on Monday, September 21, 2015Viviane Reding Money Quote saying as vice-president of the European Commission that countries allow purchase of citizenship via EU Treaties. Viviane Reding said:
“In general, let me raise the question: do we like the idea of selling the rights provided by the EU Treaties? Certainly not. Citizenship must not be up for sale!” — Viviane Reding
Share the Viviane Reding Money quote image above on your site:
Short Link to this Quote:
In this quote, former European Commissioner Viviane Reding is expressing opposition to the notion of commodifying or commercializing EU citizenship and the rights that come with it. By asking rhetorically if people approve of “selling the rights provided by the EU Treaties,” Reding seems to be referring specifically to certain countries allowing wealthy foreigners to essentially purchase citizenship or residency as an investment in exchange for large financial contributions rather than based on true affiliation or merit.
Her view is that citizenship within the EU should not be a tradable commodity that can be acquired for money alone, as this undermines the very idea of membership in a political community. Reding argues citizenship “must not be up for sale,” implying it should be granted based on qualifications other than purely financial means.
Overall, the quote conveys Reding’s belief that EU rights and identity are not things that should be monetized or awarded solely due to wealth.