Brussels, 06/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - The Financial Times blog has revealed the findings of an unpublished survey into the media presence of European commissioners in their own countries. Michel Barnier came in a distant last while Economic Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn topped the poll.
“Have you recently seen or heard the European Commissioner from your country in the media (television, radio, press)?” That was the question put in a Eurobarometer survey for the European Commission. The responses were so disappointing that the Commission decided not to publish them. 45% of Finns said they had heard of Rehn. In addition to holding the economic affairs portfolio and being at the heart of the current eurozone crisis, he had been touted as a possible presidential candidate in Finland. John Dalli of Malta came second with 41% and Antonio Tajani of Italy was third with 40%. Behind the top three came Siim Kallas (Estonia) with 40%, Laszlo Andor (Hungary) 34%, Viviane Reding (Luxembourg) 33%, Connie Hedegaard (Denmark) 33%, Janusz Lewandowski (Poland) 32% and José Manuel Barroso (Portugal) 31%.
Quite surprisingly, Frenchman Michel Barnier (internal market), who is very active in those issues which fall within his area of responsibility, came in last. Only 8% of those interviewed in France had heard or seen him in the media recently. This may be explained by the current dominance of the French news by the presidential elections. The UK's Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, is sometimes criticised for her unwillingness to meet the press. It is only logical, therefore, that she, too, lagged behind on the list with 16%. (LC/transl.rt)