Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2004-10-27-Speech-3-073"
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"en.20041027.5.3-073"2
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"Mr President, Mr President of the Commission, ladies and gentlemen, there is an anecdote told in my country according to which an outstanding Polish politician is one who never agrees to a compromise, whereas a good American statesman is one who can always find a compromise. If this anecdote were to be translated, taken seriously, and adapted for the European Parliament, Mr Barroso would have a successful career ahead of him in America, and many outstanding politicians and speakers in this House would triumph over the political scene in my country.
In response to Mr Barroso’s critics, I should like to remind them that it is the governments of the Member States who decide on the appointment of Commissioners. Mr Barroso’s room for manoeuvre is limited, and we should be clear about the fact that it will remain limited until there is a change in the way the Commission is appointed. If this House wishes to say that the governments of the Member States play too large a role in this process, it should say so clearly. I do not share this opinion, however, as I do not believe the role governments play is too large. If the Commission is to have the support of the Member States, the Member States’ governments must have a major part to play in its appointment, even if this sometimes prolongs the decision-making process.
We have great respect for all those speakers who have expressed their reservations concerning individual Commissioners-designate, as many of us also had doubts about a number of them. The voting procedure is what it is, however, and we vote on the Commission as a whole, without being able to vote on individual Commissioners, something that has both positive and negative sides. The ball is now back in the court of the President of the Commission and the EU Member States, but this decision-making process should not be allowed to drag on, as Europe needs a new Commission, just as Europe needs a strong European Parliament. Indeed this House is now proving its strength, and I am sure we are all aware of this, both those who would vote in favour of Mr Barroso and his Commission and those who would vote against. It is to be hoped that the heated dispute we are witnessing and involved in will not cause a permanent rift in this House. Even when we have fundamental differences of opinion, we should remember the aspects that unite us and not only those that may divide us.
Finally, I should like to express my respect for Mr Barroso. You do not have an easy life, and you have embarked upon a difficult mission. This makes it even more important for me to tell you, at this difficult time, that I value your efforts and the strength of character you have demonstrated. I believe that before long we will be able to congratulate you on your political success. Many thanks."@en1
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