A call for a new EU commission president
The European Parliament will elect the next European Commission. The voters on June 7 do not only decide the composition of the European Parliament, they also decide upon the driving seat of the EU: The European Commission. The composition of the executive EU body – the European Commission – has to reflect the vote of the EU citizens on June 7.
We demand the European Union to take a new direction. We want a European Union that acts for the needs of its citizens and that tackles the economic and climate crisis in a decisive way. Outgoing Commission President Barroso has failed to act. Even worse, he represents the conservative majority that has failed Europe over the last five years. He represents the Europe that puts markets before people.
Some of our governments are already trying to set the scene. Conservative governments are having meetings about the set-up of the new commission – weeks before the election on June 7. We demand respect for our democratic rights! Executive power must not be defined before elections.
We support the view of PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen: “Who becomes President of the European Commission now depends on the result of the European elections. This is the one thing that everyone agrees – Governments are free to nominate who they like - the shape of the new Parliament will determine the next President of the Commission.”
A new majority is really possible. PES President Rasmussen has promised that Barroso will not become a Commission president again, if the PES is able to form a coalition with other leftwing and progressive parties after the European elections.
The PES has presented a strong vision for Europe: A progressive recovery plan, a strategy for smart green growth and a strong partnership with Obama’s new administration in the US. We do have a real choice. We are going to vote for a new EU commission president on June 7.
We ask the European citizens to vote for a progressive new majority. And our governments have to respect the democratic vote of their citizens.