Irmãos Martins estão de saída da Martifer

[Incognitus]

A mim parece-me que neste momento os Chineses já são mais capitalistas que nós.

[Plicas]

Será bom para a europa a inspiração Maoista na ajuda às relações com a China

[Incognitus]

Essa do ex-Maoísta já vai perseguir o homem até à cova ... ehehe.

[Alfred E. Neuman]

Defeated ex-Maoist faces long march

By George Parker in Strasbourg and Tobias Buck in Brussels

Financial Times

Oct 27 2004 18:32


José Manuel Barroso, a former Maoist student revolutionary, received comforting words from Daniel Cohn-Bendit, the Green deputy who led students to the barricades in 1968: "As Mao said, understanding defeat is preparing for victory."

Whatever way the incoming European Commission president dressed it, Wednesday's events in Strasbourg were a defeat. His "absolute certainty" that he would win a majority for his new team turned out to be a large miscalculation.

Mr Barroso must learn from this setback in the next few weeks if he is to restore his damaged reputation as a tough leader with good judgment and the ability to communicate.

The former prime minister of Portugal has had a rollercoaster ride in the media and among the Brussels diplomatic classes since being named European Commission president in June.

Originally perceived as an obscure, third-choice compromise candidate, Mr Barroso quickly impressed the doubters with his easy manner, fluency in a number of languages and sure-footed handling of the media.

Following a series of well-prepared appearances, even his erstwhile critics conceded he had proved himself a skilful tactician and polished performer.

He won the greatest plaudits for the decisions that have since come to haunt him - the line-up of his team of Commissioners.

His selection of tough, experienced and free-market-oriented people for the top economic jobs was hailed as inspired.

Mr Barroso was also lauded for his refusal to grant big member states the most important jobs - competition and internal market.

Finally, he managed to draw up his team in record time, with little interference from national capitals.

At the time, in mid-August, many members of the European Parliament were ardent supporters.

Graham Watson, leader of the Liberal group that yesterday refused to back Mr Barroso's team, applauded the "inspired choices and imaginative thinking" behind the line-up. Others remarked on Mr Barroso's smooth presentation skills.

Yet his critics claim he has made a number of blunders since taking office, notably his failure to spot the potential problems of appointing Mr Buttiglione to the sensitive justice post, or the potential conflicts of interest with Ms Kroes at competition.

Socialists in particular believe he handled the concerns of MEPs insensitively.

Martin Schulz, the Socialist leader, claimed on Tuesday that he was afraid of upsetting member states by reshuffling the Commissioners they sent to Brussels: "He chose to have a conflict with the parliament instead."

Gary Titley, leader of the British Labour group, complained that Mr Barroso seemed unwilling to talk to MEPs to assuage their concerns, and that many reacted badly to his claim that only "extremists" would refuse to endorse his team.

Nevertheless, Mr Barroso was back at his silky best soon after postponing the vote on his new Commission, claiming his authority had been strengthened by his forced retreat because it showed he was listening to the parliament.

"I don't see my authority weakened," he said. "On the contrary, I see it reinforced."

Mr Barroso knows, however, that bowing to the European parliament seldom goes down well in national capitals.

It is to the heads of government that he must now turn for help if he is ever to get his feet under the presidential desk in Brussels.