EU gets an ‘official’ opposition

Socialist MEPs have declared the European Parliament’s centre-left as the official opposition to José Manuel Barroso’s administration.

Leader of the parliament’s second biggest voting bloc Martin Schulz has warned the European Commission that the Socialists mean business.

A Thursday vote on Barroso’s political programme and legislative agenda for 2005 went to the wire as left-leaning MEPs took a stand against Barroso.

The centre-right Portuguese Brussels chief has been denied a consensus vote on a programme focused on economic growth and reform.

His programme was approved by relatively narrow, in EU terms, majority of 264 to 201 with 37 abstentions.

But rivals to the Socialists observe that in reality the centre-left is split – often along national lines.

The centre-right EPP – parliament’s biggest bloc – argues that confrontation will leave Socialists divided and out in the cold.

“I would like to say that I am disappointed that the Socialist group in Parliament has once again failed to support the commission and has been unable, because of internal divisions, to participate in the normal work of drawing up parliament's position,” said EPP-ED vice-president Françoise Grossetête

Nevertheless, Socialists are claiming victory and a commission climb down on “important aspects” of Barroso’s agenda.

“After today's vote, it is clear that the support of the Socialist Group is necessary for future legislation,” said Schulz.

“The right-wing today failed to muster a simple majority of members – 364 – that will be needed for legislation to be adopted.”

“José Manuel Barroso will be well advised to take note of this when he brings legislative proposals to parliament.”

Schulz’s declaration of opposition could herald a departure from the parliament’s traditionally consensus seeking role.

And a new fighting instinct could see key legislation subject to amendment or delay giving a headache to the EU’s behind-the-scenes political fixers and officials.

Socialists are already trumpeting victory over Barroso’s “ultra-liberal approach to public services”.

"I am particularly pleased that we denied right-wing groups the opportunity to carry through their unacceptable approach to public services,” said Schulz.

Socialist vice-president Jan Marinus Wiersma spelt out the political message.

“This has been a parliamentary week in which we as social democrats have marked out our position and defined where we stand as opposed to the right wing,” he said.

“There is a battle going on within this parliament – and we are fully committed to it.”

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