Tony Blair's EU Presidency Bid Fades as Leaders Show Discord

Strategic Insights -

British Prime Minister Tony Blair's chances of becoming the European Union's first president were dwindling last night, as opposition to his selection grew across Europe. A clandestine proposal by senior EU leaders suggested that the Left would nominate a candidate for the post of EU foreign minister, while the group of centre-right governments would nominate the president, effectively ruling out Mr Blair. EU leaders have agreed not to appoint their new president or foreign minister at this summit or even to hold formal discussions on candidates, due to the Czech Republic's delay in ratifying the Lisbon treaty. A special summit next month is likely to decide the jobs.

Key Takeaways:

  • EU leaders have agreed not to appoint the new president or foreign minister at this summit due to the Czech Republic's delay in ratifying the Lisbon treaty.
  • A clandestine proposal suggests that the Left would nominate a candidate for the post of EU foreign minister, while the centre-right governments would nominate the president.
  • Tony Blair's allies have made clear that he would be prepared to give up his lucrative commercial interests if the post was set up as a grand diplomatic role on the world stage.
  • British diplomats admit that Blair's hopes of gaining Angela Merkel's support are waning, suggesting that Merkel and President Sarkozy of France have not so far provided the level of support needed.
  • EU leaders have agreed to provide the Czech Republic with its desired opt-out from the Charter of Fundamental Rights in an effort to hasten the ratification of the Lisbon treaty.
  • A Daily Telegraph/YouGov poll shows that fewer than one in three British voters want Tony Blair to be president.
  • David Miliband's name appears on a shortlist compiled by the leaders of the left-of-centre parties for the post of EU foreign minister.

Statistics:

  • 29% of British voters want Tony Blair to be president (Daily Telegraph/YouGov poll).
  • Six candidates, including David Miliband, have been shortlisted for the post of EU foreign minister.
  • The EU leaders' clandestine proposal would divide the EU into two groups: the centre-right governments and the Left.
  • The special summit next month will likely decide the posts of president and foreign minister.
  • The Czech Republic has delayed ratifying the Lisbon treaty, preventing EU leaders from formalising their discussions on candidates.

Sources:

  • Tony Blair's bid to become EU president fades in polls
  • The Times: "Crusade for Blair"
  • The Telegraph/YouGov poll: 29% of British voters want Tony Blair to be president
  • European Union's decision to provide Czech Republic its desired opt-out from the Charter of Fundamental Rights.