Liberals debate new EU chief

Liberal MEPs will discuss José Manuel Durão Barroso's nomination for the EU's top job on Tuesday.

Barroso is set to be backed by Europe's leaders for the position as the EU executive's president but European Parliament support is not a fait accompli.

The centre-right Portuguese leader must win a majority vote of MEPs if he is to clinch the commission leadership.

Barroso is backed by the parliament's right-wing which controls 38 per cent of a vote but not necessarily the the Liberals or Socialists.

And the Liberals are seeking a "clear display of his European credentials" before supporting the nominee for commission president.

Liberal leader Graham Watson is reminding Barroso that he "still requires the endorsement of the European Parliament".

"He can clearly walk the governmental walk. However, we have yet to hear him talk the European talk," he said on Monday.

Watson argues that Barroso needs to beat off claims that his candidature - following splits between national governments - is not the 'lowest common denominator' option.

"If Mr Durão Barroso is going to avoid the stigma of being a 'lowest common denominator' candidate he is going to have to come out of the blocks in style."

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