The Italian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Massimiliano Smeriglio initiated a signature campaign demanding Michel's resignation over the incident.[1][16] The Spanish MEP Iratxe Garcia Perez, leader of the "Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats" (S&D) lashed out against both Charles Michel and Erdoğan over the inferior treatment of the woman amongst the three leaders, accusing the two men of "micromachismo and rudeness".[3] Many other Members of the European Parliament were also said to be moved by Michel's lack of reaction to the incident, while Belgian MEP Assita Kanko asked, "Why did Michel sit down? Why couldn't he... look at Ms. von der Leyen and show his solidarity".[17] The Dutch Member of the European Parliament Sophie in 't Veld mentioned that in a former meeting between the two EU leaders and Erdoğan, all three were seated in chairs.[18][1] She also criticized Ursula von der Leyen for refusing to take a stand, in this and many other instances, and allowing the European Commission to take a backseat to the European Council.[19]