The consultation at the Parliament started today with a meeting of the EPP and S&D heads, Manfred Weber and Martin Schulz, in order to find a “stable political majority” for the next 5-year term. With the States that, notwithstanding David Cameron’s crusade, seem to get closer to Jean-Claude Juncker’s appointment, now the Luxembourg former PM need to be voted by the EP.
“In the next five years the Union needs to build the right frame for growth and development,” and in order to so “we need a stable majority at the European Parliament, capable to get real results,” said Weber, adding that “Populars is committed in the first negotiations with the S&D group in order to create the basis for such a majority,” a hint suggesting that it will be again a “two-way” majority.
No hint to Guy Verhofstadt’s Liberals – who took part at the majority of the outgoing Commission (even though they were ‘external’, they had important Commissioners such as Olli Rehn), but have not said anything in the last few days. No hint to Greens as well, nor to Conservatives, now the affirmed third group of the Parliament.
“Our target is reaching an agreement for the election of the next Parliament President,” office which will be shared “for half of a term for each President” added Weber. Angela Merkel would like to have that office for Schulz first – not because she has him in great consideration, but to avoid him from having a post into the next Commission, which would be Schulz’ first objective. Sure thing, there’s no way for the leader of Conservative MEPs, Sajjad Karim, the 43 years old Muslim, to become the next President of the European Parliament, even if he’s going to present his candidacy today. It is impossible for the MEPs to give such a concession to British representatives, the main enemies of Juncker.
“The EPP group has a program of reforms for the future of Europe,” added Weber, “we won’t accept any amendment to the Stability and Growth Pact,” seen as “the thin red line” of negotiations. “We will work together with the S&D group,” he reassured, “on the basis of a program for the next European Commission. We are ready to bear our responsibilities and we want a strong European Parliament capable of taking crucial decisions for the next five years.” According to Weber “the main lesson to learn from the European election” is that “Europe needs to change.” The sure thing is, was this program to be fulfilled by a Commission composed of politicians from these two fronts, first at the last election but with a frightening decrease of approval, a true change can hardly be imagined.
