Marc Botenga is a Belgian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB). A prominent voice in left-wing politics, Botenga made history in 2019 as the first MEP elected from his party, marking a significant milestone for the radical left political movement in Belgium.
Current Role and Key Achievements
- Botenga is an active member of the European Parliament within The Left group (GUE/NGL). His contributions span across several crucial committees and subcommittees:
- Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET): Focusing on the EU’s external relations and foreign policy.
- Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON): Engaging in policies related to financial regulations, economic governance, and monetary systems.
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): Addressing matters of innovation, industrial development, and energy policies.
- Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE): Contributing to EU policies on defense, security, and conflict resolution.
- Subcommittee on Tax Matters (FISC): Tackling issues such as tax evasion and financial transparency.
- Botenga is also involved in several parliamentary delegations, including:
- Delegation for relations with Palestine: Advocating for human rights and balanced EU foreign relations.
- Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly: Promoting dialogue between European and African nations.
- Delegation to the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly: Strengthening cooperation between the EU and the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States.
Political Party Affiliation
- Marc Botenga represents Belgium in the European Parliament as a member of the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB). This party aligns with progressive and socialist ideals, advocating for social justice, workers’ rights, and economic equality.
Personal Background
Birthdate and Birthplace
- Marc Botenga was born on 29 December 1980 in Brussels, Belgium.
Education and Qualifications
- Botenga pursued studies in law at the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), one of Belgium’s leading academic institutions.
- While specific details about his degrees or academic distinctions are not mentioned, his legal education provided a foundation for his subsequent involvement in social and political advocacy.
Professional Career Before Entering Politics
- Marc Botenga’s career has been deeply intertwined with political and social activism:
- He became politically active at an early age, beginning his involvement in 1998 with grassroots activism focused on workers’ rights, social justice, and equality.
- His professional trajectory suggests a seamless integration of activism into political representation, dedicating his efforts to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.
Political Career Overview
Key Milestone in 2019
- In 2019, Marc Botenga achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Member of the European Parliament (MEP) elected from the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA/PTB).
- This landmark achievement underscored his commitment to progressive values and his ability to mobilize support for leftist political causes.
Current Political Role
- Botenga is a member of The Left group (GUE/NGL) in the European Parliament, representing Belgium and continuing to advocate for progressive policies, workers’ rights, and social equity.
Family Details
General Information
- As of the available information, specific details regarding Marc Botenga’s family background are not publicly documented. This includes:
- Information about his parents or siblings.
- Details about a spouse or children.
Public Focus on Professional Life
- The primary focus of Marc Botenga’s public profile centers on his professional life and political career as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB).
- His contributions to European Parliament committees, delegations, and activism are well-documented, but personal family details are not a part of the information available.
Political Career
Entry into Politics (1998)
- Marc Botenga began his political journey in 1998, becoming actively involved in social movements focused on advocating for social justice. His early activism included:
- Participating in a movement opposing the Belgian Minister of the Interior after the killing of asylum seeker Semira Adamu.
- Supporting workers’ mobilizations during the closure of the Forges de Clabecq iron works, emphasizing labor rights and solidarity.
Involvement During the European Debt Crisis (2010s)
- Botenga’s European political activities intensified during the European debt crisis around 2010. During this period, he:
- Supported political actions for Greece, advocating against austerity measures imposed during the crisis.
- His involvement in European politics deepened when he became a political advisor for the European GUE/NGL parliamentary group in 2016, a pivotal step that broadened his political influence.
Key Political Milestones
Election to the European Parliament (2019)
- In 2019, Marc Botenga was elected as the first Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB), marking a significant achievement in his political career.
- He joined The Left group (GUE/NGL) in the European Parliament, representing progressive and left-wing political ideologies.
Key Roles in the European Parliament
- As an MEP, Botenga has held various influential roles in committees and delegations, contributing to key areas of policy:
- Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy: Focusing on innovation, energy policies, and industrial development.
- Committee on Foreign Affairs: Addressing global diplomacy and international relations.
- Subcommittee on Security and Defence: Engaging in discussions on European security strategies and defense matters.
- Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly: Promoting collaboration between African and European countries.
- Delegation to the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly: Working on partnerships between the EU and the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States.
Current Position
- Marc Botenga currently serves as a Vice-Chair of The Left group (GUE/NGL) in the European Parliament. In this leadership role, he continues to represent progressive left-wing politics, emphasizing:
- Advocacy for social justice.
- Worker’s rights.
- Fair economic policies and international solidarity.
Net Worth 2025
Overview
- As of 2025, no publicly available information or credible sources provide a specific estimate of Marc Botenga’s personal net worth.
Financial Transparency in Politics
- Marc Botenga is known for his role as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB).
- He serves as the Vice-Chair of The Left group in the European Parliament, which advocates for social justice, workers’ rights, and anti-austerity policies.
- While his political career and activities are well-documented, detailed financial disclosures or insights into his personal wealth are not publicly accessible. This aligns with common practices where financial transparency depends on the regulations and reporting requirements of individual countries or political institutions.
Professional and Political Income
- As an MEP, Botenga likely receives remuneration according to the standard salary structure for Members of the European Parliament, which includes:
- A basic monthly salary set by the Statute for Members of the European Parliament.
- Allowances for travel, staffing, and general expenses related to parliamentary duties.
- Any additional income or assets would depend on personal investments or other professional engagements outside his role as an MEP. However, no such information has been reported.
Publicly Known Financial Stance
- Botenga’s political platform emphasizes workers’ rights and economic equality, suggesting a focus on addressing wealth disparities rather than personal accumulation.
- The values of the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB) and The Left group reflect a commitment to financial fairness and opposition to excessive personal enrichment in public office.
Current Role in the European Parliament
Position and Affiliation
- Marc Botenga is a vice chair of The Left group (GUE/NGL) in the European Parliament, representing the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB). He has been a vocal advocate for progressive and left-wing policies, with a focus on social justice, human rights, and equitable economic policies.
Committees and Delegations
Committees
Marc Botenga is actively involved in several committees, where he addresses a range of political, economic, and social issues:
- Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET)
- Focuses on diplomatic relations, international cooperation, and conflict resolution.
- Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON)
- Works on financial regulations, economic policy, and taxation matters.
- Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy (ITRE) (Substitute Member)
- Participates in discussions on energy policies, technological innovation, and industrial strategy.
- Subcommittee on Tax Matters (FISC)
- Addresses tax fraud, tax avoidance, and fiscal policies across the EU.
- Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE)
- Engages with issues of defense policy, EU security measures, and peacekeeping initiatives.
Delegations
Botenga is also part of several key delegations, promoting dialogue and collaboration with international partners:
- EP Delegation for Relations with Palestine
- Advocates for diplomatic solutions and peace in the region.
- Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly
- Focuses on strengthening EU-Africa relations, development, and cooperation.
- Delegation to the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly
- Represents EU interests and fosters partnerships with the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States.
Specific Responsibilities and Areas of Focus
Pharmaceutical Policy
- Botenga served as the Parliament’s rapporteur for the EU pharmaceutical strategy, where he:
- Advocated for pharmaceutical companies to reinvest a larger portion of their profits into research and development (R&D).
- Promoted equitable access to medicines, addressing disparities in healthcare systems across the EU.
Social and Economic Justice
- A staunch critic of “climate elitism”, Botenga emphasizes the need for climate policies that:
- Do not disproportionately burden ordinary citizens.
- Ensure corporate accountability and fair contributions from large corporations.
Human Rights and Peace Advocacy
- Botenga has been a consistent advocate for human rights and peace initiatives, with notable efforts including:
- Calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing diplomatic solutions over military interventions.
- Opposing policies that undermine international law and fundamental rights.
Research and Innovation
- Engages in discussions on EU research funding, arguing for:
- Increased investments in innovation.
- Policies that promote competitiveness while ensuring social and economic equality.
Legislative Initiatives and Contributions
COVID-19 Vaccine Patents
- Played a pivotal role in successfully advocating for the temporary suspension of COVID-19 vaccine patents, ensuring:
- Broader global access to vaccines.
- Fairer distribution of life-saving resources, particularly in developing countries.
Progressive Taxation Policies
- As a member of the Subcommittee on Tax Matters, Botenga has:
- Championed measures against tax evasion and avoidance.
- Advocated for progressive taxation systems that prioritize fairness and reduce income inequality.
Positions on Key Policies
Climate Change
- Botenga opposes market-driven climate solutions that exclude or disproportionately impact low-income communities.
- Advocates for inclusive, justice-based climate policies that tackle both environmental challenges and social inequalities.
Trade and Digitalization
- Supports fair trade agreements that protect workers’ rights and environmental standards.
- Raises concerns about the impact of digitalization on workers, emphasizing the need for strong data privacy and labor protections.
Human Rights
- Strongly defends international human rights standards, focusing on peace-building and conflict resolution.
- Actively addresses issues of surveillance and individual privacy within the context of EU security policies.