Updated | Polish MEP faces investigation for misogynistic rant

"Women must earn less than men" ⁉️

In 2017. In the European Parliament. Unbelievable... @IratxeGarper sets this misogynist straight. pic.twitter.com/YOHu684DLg

— S&D Group (@TheProgressives) March 2, 2017

If you’re a woman don’t expect to earn as much as your male colleague does. Why? because you’re of the weaker sex, according to a Polish MEP.

And no, this is not a statement from the archived speeches of the European Parliament. The comment was delivered last night during a parliamentary debate on the gender pay gap across the European Union.

The libertarian conservative Polish politician, Janusz Korwin-Mikke, left everyone who was listening to his misogynistic rant in disbelief. Sporting a red bow tie, the 74-year-old MEP launched a tirade against women.

“And of course women must earn less than men,” he interjected during the EP debate.  “They are weaker, they are smaller, they are less intelligent and they must earn less… that’s all.”

The comments sparked fury amongst those present and European Parliament President Antonio Tajani has announced that there would be an investigation – that could lead to sanctions including a temporary suspension.

MEP Korwin-Mikke's comments in #EPlenary r unacceptable. This mentality is not only detrimental 2 #women but 2 society as a whole. #equality

— Miriam Dalli MEP (@Miriamdalli) March 2, 2017

MEP Korwin-Mikke's comments in #EPlenary are not only offensive to women, they betray the values of the entire EU.

No home for #misogyny.

— Roberta Metsola MEP (@RobertaMetsola) March 2, 2017

Spanish MEP Iratxe Garcia-Perez (S&D) has since become the 'hero' of the debate, after taking it upon herself to set him straight.

“According to your opinion, I shouldn’t have the right to be here as a member of parliament,” Garcia-Perez told Korwin-Mikke.

“And I know that it hurts you and bothers you that today women can sit in the House to represent citizens with the same rights as you. I am here to defend all European women from men like you.”

According to the European Commission, it would take another 70 years for women to earn the same as men with the current pace of progress.

Even though Europe can be considered as a global leader in gender equality, women in the EU still get on average lower salaries and pensions and continue to be underrepresented in political and economic position of power and decision-making.

A parliament report on gender equality stresses the need to establish the matter as a political priority. It also calls for creating a legal framework to help people establish a better work-life balance and highlights the negative impact of austerity policies and cutbacks in public care and health services.