22/07/2008 (Agence Europe) - For the very first time, José Manuel Barosso, has announced that it is very likely that he will be a candidate for a second mandate at the head of the European Commission. In an interview with the Dutch newspaper, NRC Handelsblad on 19 July, Barroso stated, “If today I had to decide about a second term, my answer would be 'yes'. Provided, of course, that I have the support of member states and the EP”. Over the last few days, the French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, and the Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, have expressed their support for Mr Barroso's mandate to be renewed. (H.B./trans/rh)