Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats
The European Commission's President Jose Manuel Barroso was today described as "the weakest in the history of the EU" after a narrow European Parliament vote gave him a second five-year term.
Mr Barroso had to rely on Eurosceptic to obtain only 13 votes over the qualified majority that would be required by the Lisbon Treaty. He obtained fewer votes than five years ago.
Said S&D leader Martin Schulz, whose group abstained with the aim of forcing key policy concessions later this year:
"Mr Barroso will have many sleepless nights ahead of him, for his support within the Parliament is extremely fragile.
"He now needs the Parliament to approve his college of commissioners and his work programme. Votes on future legislation will be tight -- and he faces many defeats.
"The EU cannot make progress without the S&D Group. We demand a new direction for Europe and a new emphasis on strong social policy among pre-conditions for our support.
"Mr Barroso is today in a weaker position than any of his predecessors -- the weakest Commission President in the history of the EU.
"His reliance on the votes of the Eurosceptics, who oppose everything he stands for, makes him weaker still and brings shame upon him."
Tony Robinson
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+ 32 475 25 74 10
Associated media
'Weakest Commission President in history'. The European Commission's President Jose Manuel Barroso was today described as 'the weakest in the history of the EU' after a narrow European Parliament vote gave him a second five-year term.
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