Barroso battles to prevent EC crisis
Key European Parliament leaders threatened to veto incoming European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso’s 24 member team today unless he removes a conservative Italian nominee for justice commissioner.
At a joint meeting, Socialists, Greens, Liberal Democrats and Communists were to demand that Barroso reshuffle his team because of Italian Rocco Buttiglione’s contentious remarks about gays, marriage and single mothers.
Barroso was to meet European Parliament President Josep Borrell and eight party leaders behind closed doors to resolve the stand-off which could throw the EU into unprecedented institutional turmoil.
“I have to say openly we expect a reshuffle of the Commission,” said Socialist group leader Martin Schulz, heading into the meeting. “I am optimistic Mr Barroso will come up with convincing proposals.”
The socialists have been leading the charge against Buttiglione.
During his confirmation hearing two weeks ago, Buttiglione called homosexuality a sin.
The wide backing of the 200 member Socialist group and the 88 member Liberal Democrat group is considered vital for Barroso to win the October 27 vote and start his term on November 1.
The European People’s Party, which backs Buttiglione, is the largest group in the assembly with 268 members.
“We should not have a crisis,” said EPP leader Hans-Gert Poettering. “I ask all members of parliament to be tolerant to everyone whether they are Christians or Muslims.”
The 24 members of the incoming EU executive have been put forward by the EU governments. The panel takes office November 1.
The European Parliament cannot reject individual nominees, and can only reject the entire European Commission. A negative vote would create an unprecedented crisis in the EU.
Schulz said after a meeting Barroso on Tuesday that the incoming EU chief was considering giving Buttiglione another job or changing his job description.
