Barroso's European Commission in Crisis

José Manuel Durão Barroso, the president-elect of the European Commission, faced a severe setback just three months into his tenure. His 25-member commission was voted down by the European Parliament, primarily due to the appointment of Rocco Buttiglione, an Italian politician, as the commissioner for justice and home affairs. The parliament's civil-liberties committee had recommended against the appointment, citing Buttiglione's views on homosexuality, abortion, and women's rights. Despite pressure, Barroso refused to shift Buttiglione, opting instead to establish a new committee to monitor civil rights. This decision ultimately backfired, and the commission was withdrawn. Barroso now faces serious questions about his judgment and future as president-elect.

Key Takeaways:

• The European Parliament rejected the Barroso commission due to the appointment of Rocco Buttiglione as commissioner for justice and home affairs.
• The parliament's civil-liberties committee had recommended against Buttiglione's appointment, citing his views on civil liberties.
• Barroso refused to shift Buttiglione, opting instead to establish a new committee to monitor civil rights.
• The commission was withdrawn, and Barroso now faces difficult questions about his judgment and future as president-elect.
• Several other commissioners, including Neelie Kroes, Mariann Fischer Boel, and Ingrida Udre, may also be vulnerable due to questionable performances in confirmation hearings and conflicts of interest.
• Barroso may need to make major changes to his team, including finding new nominees and replacing existing commissioners.
• The Italian government may refuse to withdraw Buttiglione, leading to a potential rejection of any commission including him.
• Barroso's reputation for competence has been damaged by a series of political blunders since his appointment.
• Some French MEPs want Barroso replaced due to his support for the Iraq war and perceived economic liberal views.

Statistics:

• 25-member commission rejected by the European Parliament.
• 1 commissioner-designate, Rocco Buttiglione, formally rejected by the relevant parliamentary committees.
• Several other commissioners may need to be moved or replaced due to questionable performances and conflicts of interest.
• 1 Italian government minister, Silvio Berlusconi, criticized for appointing Buttiglione as commissioner for justice and home affairs.
• 5-year tenure for the European Commission, during which time Barroso's reputation may be severely diminished.
• 1 symbolic venue for the European Constitution signing ceremony, Rome, Italy.

Sources:

• The Economist. (Undated) Far from reinvigorating the European project, the president-elect of the commission has run into deep trouble before he begins.