Brussels, 07/03/2008 (Agence Europe) - Franco Frattini, the European Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs, will take unpaid leave from the Commission from 14 March to 15 April, to be able to take an active part in the campaign of his party, Forza Italia, in the early legislative elections in Italy, to be held on 13 and 14 April. His request for leave, officially received by the President of the Commission in a letter, was expected to be approved on Friday 7 March by José Manuel Barroso. At the time of going to press, the French Commissioner Jacques Barrot, who is responsible for the Transport dossier, was expected to be appointed to stand in for Mr Frattini during his absence. (B.C.)