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outubro 21, 2004
EU chief refuses to back down over disputed commissioner
Incoming European Commission head Jose Manuel Barroso stuck by his controversial pick for EU justice chief in the face of a furious row with EU lawmakers ahead of a confirmation vote next week.
But after crunch talks between Barroso and European Parliament leaders, the Socialist and Liberal groupings insisted they wanted Italy's outspoken Rocco Buttiglione assigned to a new brief or even booted out of the commission-to-be.
"They should keep a sense of proportion," the designated president of the EU executive told a news conference after the fiery meeting, which parliament president Josep Borrell said was "not a cosy chat".
"The parliament is not going to vote for one or two commissioners. They are going to vote for the whole commission," Barroso said, ahead of next Wednesday's confirmation vote in the European Union assembly.
The parliament can only endorse or reject the commission as a whole, not veto individual commissioners. Its approval is essential before the new Brussels team can take office on November 1.
Barroso insisted his team would be "absolutely opposed to any kind of discrimination based on sexual orientation, based on gender, based on religious beliefs".
And Buttiglione, a conservative Catholic, sought to mend fences by saying he "did not intend in any way to offend the feelings of anybody" at a now-notorious confirmation hearing at the European Parliament.
In a letter to Barroso, Buttiglione offered to give up some of the powers that would normally be included in his portfolio -- specifically those concerning discrimination and sexual harassment.
Buttiglione also said he "deeply regret(ted) the difficulties and the problems that have arisen as a consequence of my hearing".
But the Socialists and the Liberals, respectively the parliament's second- and third-biggest groups, were adamant that Buttiglione was unacceptable after he described homosexuality as a sin and said women should stay at home and have babies.
Socialist leader Martin Schulz stuck by his party's insistence that Barroso should find another job for Buttiglione rather than leaving him in charge of civil liberties and anti-discrimination policy.
Barroso's offer to reassign some of Buttoglione's responsibilities was "simply not good enough", the German deputy said.
"Despite the risk of a serious institutional crisis, Mr. Barroso has still not given us a clear statement that Mr. Buttiglione will be removed from the justice and home affairs portfolio," he said.
Liberal leader Graham Watson went further by arguing that Buttiglione should either "request a reshuffle" to another portfolio "or he should leave" the commission altogether.
Barroso, however, said he remained "very confident that we will get the support of a clear majority" at next week's parliamentary vote.
"If one has a sense of responsibility and vision of balance, not extremist, a concern to find a moderate solution ... then deputies will vote for the commission," he said.
Buttiglione, who has accused his critics of pursuing an "anti-Christian inquisition", does enjoy the support of the conservative European People's Party, the parliament's biggest force.
"I ask MEPs to be tolerant to everyone whether they are Christian or not, Muslim or whatever," said EPP leader Hans-Gert Poettering.
"I am expecting very wise proposals (from Barroso) that will give the European Parliament the possibility to vote 'yes' for the commission."
Publicado por esta às outubro 21, 2004 11:08 PM