The Congress of the Party of European Socialists (PES) went like clockwork, in perfect harmony. Or did it? Well, almost. “Our manifesto (for the European elections of 2009) is perfect but something is missing - we need a candidate accepted by all for the post of president of the European Commission”, Giacomo Filibeck, President of the PES Youth Forum, imparted to his delegates in Madrid on 1 December. “We, the young European Socialists, want a political and democratic Europe. Although the Lisbon Treaty is not yet in force, the European political parties should have the courage to defend not only their programme, but also to present to the European public candidates for the main posts of the EU, especially that of Commission president”, Mr Filibeck explained to us. Martin Schulz, who heads the Socialist Group at the European Parliament, cannot approve the idea until the Lisbon Treaty is in force (read his interview in EUROPE 9777). He also reproaches the European People's Party (EPP) for wanting to designate José Manuel Barroso as “its” candidate, thus politicising the function of European Commission president. Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, PES President, does not wish to take a stance at this point. “I don't say no, I don't say yes”, he said in answer to our questions in Madrid. A meeting of PES leaders, scheduled for February 2009, will take a final decision on the matter, Mr Rasmussen has announced. If we are to believe other star players of the PES, like Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, one can almost rule out a PES candidate being announced before the European elections to succeed Mr Barroso. Such a decision would require “in-depth reflection” which, Mr Asselborn confides, has not yet taken place - because, perhaps, the European Socialists do not at present have a credible candidate to put in the running? (H.B./transl.jl)