07/07/2009 (Agence Europe) - Guy Verhofstadt, the new leader of the Liberal Group (ALDE) at the European Parliament, underlines the fact that the European Council is expected to officially nominate José Manuel Barroso as its official candidate to the helm of the next European Commission, before MEPs can begin consultation on its political agenda. So far, the heads of state and government have only expressed political support for the current president of the Commission. Appointment in good and due form is by written procedure. “We cannot do anything without a formal decision on a nomination. The proper process would then be to hear from the candidate in person about his/her programme and ambition for the Union over the next five years”, Mr Verhofstadt said after the meeting of leaders of EP political groups with Fredrik Reinfeldt in Stockholm on 6 July (EUROPE 9936). (H.B./transl.jl)