Guy Verhofstadt: Barroso Gets ‘Conditional’ Support From Liberals

Former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt, now leader of the liberals in the European parliament, announces that his group will conditionally support a second term for Jose Manuel Barroso as president of the European Commission. Translation from French: As far as the question of our support is concerned our support is, I repeat conditional. We will support you provided that we find as various points explained in the commission strategy. First of all, a new European economic strategy plan, specific proposals for both stimulus and clean up the banking sector, more than what you’ve told us today. A budget based on balanced own resources and a midterm review of efforts on banking supervision. 0:02’16”Guy VERHOFSTADT (ALDE, BE) We have to move towards more efficient procedures, a better distribution of portfolios and here once again, we count on you living up to your promise saying that you will appoint a specific commissioner responsible for civil liberties and fundamental rights.