Barroso looks set, but critics fight on
Monday 14 September 2009By EU Reporter Correspondents
Jose Manuel Barroso looks certain to be returned as Commission President this week, despite opposition from certain MEPs who want to force him "through hoops" and damage his political credibility.
Barroso is set to receive the endorsement of the Parliament in Strasbourg, which will see him commence a second term as Commission President, but so far the ride has been less than smooth.
As it stands, the centre-right President has secured the support of the EPP group, the largest in the Parliament, as well as the smaller European Conservatives and Reformists (who view him as the "most credible" of any of the available candidates), but has received less than enthusiastic support from the others.
The Greens, and the left-wing GUE party have opposed Barroso outright, while the Liberals and Socialists remain split; both will unveil their final positions before the crucial plenary vote on Wednesday.
The Liberals had previously expressed doubts over the political direction of the new Commission, but have since softened their stance. The Socialists are split on the matter, with group leader Martin Schultz declaring that he is personally against Barroso. According to a spokesman, it will be likely that, following the group vote on Tuesday "the Socialists will not be in favour of Mr Barroso". Their particular concerns are over the handling of the economy, and they have demanded "concrete proposals" from Barroso on market regulation, which, they say, have been unsatisfactorily met so far. His opponents also point to a poor record on the environment, despite claims by Barroso that it will be a top priority in any future term.
With the support of the EPP and others, the Parliament's endorsement of Barroso looks set to go ahead. However, his credibility as Commission President could be seriously weakened given the intensity of the opposition that he has met from a number of MEPs.
Realistically, this is the best they can hope for. A Socialist group source admitted that, although the group will collectively throw their weight behind a blocking vote, it was wishful thinking to suggest they had the power to stop Barroso being returned as President at this stage. If enough opposition emerges in Parliament, however, then Barroso's credibility might be diminished in the eyes of Europe. "Yes, he will win, but it looks like they'll make him jump through enough hoops this week to hopefully give him pause for thought".
For their part, the Greens are banking on the legal question of which treaty the President and his Commission will be appointed under. If Barroso is elected this week, it will be done so under Nice Treaty procedures, which will differ from that of the rest of the Commission, which will be appointed under Lisbon, should it be ratified. The Greens are hoping that this legal anomaly will be enough to postpone the vote until after Ireland's Lisbon referendum.
If this should happen, then the way will be open for challenges to Barroso's job; and a more serious round of political horse-trading as other major EU roles, the President of the Council and Foreign Minister, also come up for grabs, meaning Barroso could yet find himself out in the cold.