Plaid Cymru Deputy Leader and Euro-MP Jill Evans has indicated that she is unlikely to support the appointment of Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Manuel Durrao Barroso as the next President of the European Commission when the European Parliament votes on the issue.

Sr. Barroso has announced his acceptance of the nomination which was agreed by European Heads of Government meeting in Brussels today (Tuesday). The Plaid Cymru MEP said events leading to the nomination of Barroso showed the need for radical reform to the appointments procedure.

Speaking from Brussels, Jill Evans MEP said:

"These last few weeks have shown up the existing procedure for choosing an EU Commission President as a complete farce. I don't doubt that Sr. Barroso is a very able individual, but to be nominated for such a powerful position because you are the candidate least likely to offend the sensibilities of big member state governments is hardly the best recommendation.

“Concerns have been raised about Sr Barroso's suitability for the post given his support for the illegal Iraq war and the unpopular austere economic measures followed during his time as Portuguese Premier.

“We must have a full and open debate on his suitability for the post in the weeks to come.

“Nonetheless, these last few weeks have shown quite clearly the need for reform of the way in which a President of the EU Commission is chosen. The selection process has had more to do with the big member states playing power politics than looking at what is in the best interests of the peoples of Europe. It would be far better to have a more open procedure where a number of candidates could be put forward to face a rigorous selection procedure culminating in an open democratic vote in the European Parliament, which for all its faults remains the most democratic of the European institutions."

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