Brussels, 11/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - EU Internal Market Commissioner Michel Barnier is pleased with the current discussion within European political parties on the idea of each party appointing a leader who, in the event of that party winning the greatest number of seats at the European Parliament, would become the president of the European Commission. The idea is being promoted by the European People's Party (EPP) and has already been endorsed by the Party of European Socialists (PES) (see EUROPE 10710), and would give greater democratic legitimacy to the European Commission, argued Barnier, speaking to a select group of reporters on Wednesday 9 January . He promised to be proactive in the debate, but refused to say whether he himself would lead the campaign on behalf of the EPP (of which he is the deputy-president and whose leaders will be meeting for a few days in Nicosia, Cyprus, from Friday 11 January).
Discussing Europe. Focusing on current events in France, Barnier urged political parties in the country, particularly the PS and UMP, to discuss the future of Europe this year, a year that would otherwise be “left hanging” somewhat, he said, by the prospect of the German general elections. He said the French should use 2013 to talk about Europe, even if they disagree, because ignoring Europe would be worse because, in 2014, Germany will be raising the question of a new phase in European integration. He said that, in both the PS and the UMP, there was a fear of re-opening the debate on Europe, but this attitude could be beneficial to parties opposed to European integration, particularly in times of economic upheaval.
Commenting on the European elections in 2014, Barnier expressed concern at the exasperation, anger and sometimes poverty that can lead people to vote for extremes or for parties that are not so extremist but are protectionist and want to destroy Europe and hide behind heaven knows what Maginot Line. He said that in the next fews months, he would be unveiling the outline of a “European social contract”. (MB/transl.fl)