BRUSSELS—After leading the European Commission for five years, José Manuel Barroso was reelected on Wednesday at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. He was the only candidate and needed the approval of the European Parliament to be able to start a second five-year term. After a tedious election campaign in July, he had already received approval from all 27 different heads of governments in Europe. During the last few weeks, Barroso tried to gain the confidence of the different groups at the European Parliament where he faced strong opposition from Socialists, Liberals, and Greens.
On Wednesday, the election showed 382 votes in favor, 219 against, and 117 abstentions. According to the current treaty of Nice, only a simple majority is required, which means that Barroso will start his second term as President of the European Commission from 2010 until 2014.
During an interview with EuroparlTV, Barroso said he didn’t expect such a positive result, “I expected success but maybe not by such a margin. It exceeded the most optimistic forecasts. I’m very proud and honored but at the same time I look at it with great humility because it is a great responsibility. I presented a program that will ensure a stronger Europe and a stronger Commission.”
Barroso expressed his thanks to the Parliament for its “enormous confidence” and added, “This is a signal from the European Parliament that it is fully involved in the ambitious program I have for the next five years. ... I want to work with all political groups that have signed up for the program.”
Barroso presented his political guidelines to the full Parliament on Tuesday for them to debate before the vote that same day. Last week Barroso defended his program before the different political groups.
Barroso focused on economic recovery combined with a social market, listing proposals he wants to implement after being reelected. “I am committed to fighting social dumping,” he said, announcing a revision of the working time directive. He also promised measures to eliminate the gender pay gap.
Concerning the EU budget, Barroso proposed to “move toward an approach based on solidarity.” He stressed that, The EU must have a more transparent and efficient way of financing its policies.” He also promised changes in the Commission structure, with the appointment of commissioners for justice, fundamental rights and civil liberties, for internal affairs and migration, and for climate action, as well as “a scientific adviser for research and innovation.”
Guy Verhofstadt, chairman of the Liberal Group (ALDE), said after the election, “At the end of this year there will be a second vote about the program and about the structure of this new commission. Then we will see if Barroso has kept his promises concerning our demands to clean up the banking system and a mid-term review to beef up banking supervision.”
Martin Schulz, chairman of the European Socialists, said, “During the vote, the Socialist Party mainly abstained. That way we can keep some pressure on Barroso. He showed some good will about a social Europe. Now we want to make sure he puts his words into practice with this new Commission.”
Barrosso can now start forming his new Commission that will become operational at the beginning of next year.
On Wednesday, the election showed 382 votes in favor, 219 against, and 117 abstentions. According to the current treaty of Nice, only a simple majority is required, which means that Barroso will start his second term as President of the European Commission from 2010 until 2014.
During an interview with EuroparlTV, Barroso said he didn’t expect such a positive result, “I expected success but maybe not by such a margin. It exceeded the most optimistic forecasts. I’m very proud and honored but at the same time I look at it with great humility because it is a great responsibility. I presented a program that will ensure a stronger Europe and a stronger Commission.”
Barroso expressed his thanks to the Parliament for its “enormous confidence” and added, “This is a signal from the European Parliament that it is fully involved in the ambitious program I have for the next five years. ... I want to work with all political groups that have signed up for the program.”
Barroso presented his political guidelines to the full Parliament on Tuesday for them to debate before the vote that same day. Last week Barroso defended his program before the different political groups.
Barroso focused on economic recovery combined with a social market, listing proposals he wants to implement after being reelected. “I am committed to fighting social dumping,” he said, announcing a revision of the working time directive. He also promised measures to eliminate the gender pay gap.
Concerning the EU budget, Barroso proposed to “move toward an approach based on solidarity.” He stressed that, The EU must have a more transparent and efficient way of financing its policies.” He also promised changes in the Commission structure, with the appointment of commissioners for justice, fundamental rights and civil liberties, for internal affairs and migration, and for climate action, as well as “a scientific adviser for research and innovation.”
Guy Verhofstadt, chairman of the Liberal Group (ALDE), said after the election, “At the end of this year there will be a second vote about the program and about the structure of this new commission. Then we will see if Barroso has kept his promises concerning our demands to clean up the banking system and a mid-term review to beef up banking supervision.”
Martin Schulz, chairman of the European Socialists, said, “During the vote, the Socialist Party mainly abstained. That way we can keep some pressure on Barroso. He showed some good will about a social Europe. Now we want to make sure he puts his words into practice with this new Commission.”
Barrosso can now start forming his new Commission that will become operational at the beginning of next year.
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