Plaid Cymru Deputy Leader Jill Evans MEP has hailed today's European Parliament showdown with the incoming European Commission as a triumph for democracy. Facing rejection by Euro-MPs, new Euro Commission President José Manuel Barroso withdrew his team. The vote has now been postponed.

Speaking from Strasbourg, Jill Evans MEP said:

"I'm very pleased that Mr Barroso has finally decided to listen to the will of MEPs. We've made very clear that as well as being unhappy with the process for choosing the new Commission, there are also several individuals that we don't feel are up to the job. Today's decision is historic in the sense that the European Parliament has stood up to the member state governments and prevailed on a question of supreme importance.

"Now it's over to Mr Barroso to bring forward a fresh proposal. He must understand that if he wants our approval when it finally comes to a vote, we must see that he's heeded our advice. Nevertheless, what has happened today is very good news for democracy in Europe. We have seen that the European Parliament will not cave in to bullying from member state governments and this is something we should all welcome."

Commenting on controversial Italian Commissioner Rocco Buttiglione, Jill Evans MEP added:

"Mr Buttiglione is unacceptable as a European Commissioner under any circumstances. A reshuffle where he's put in charge of another portfolio won't do. We must remember that as well as their individual portfolios, Commissioners also work collectively. His disparaging remarks about gay people and women mean that he is not fit to hold any portfolio in the European Commission."

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