By Anna McLauchlin & Hughes Beaudouin - 28th March 2004
Brussels could lose Michel Barnier to Paris if the French government is forced to reshuffle after suffering a heavy defeat in regional elections.
A departure for the EU regional policy chief would raise questions over the continuing functioning of the existing European Commission.
Brussel chief Romano Prodi’s increasing preoccupation with Italian politics combined with resignations from two commissioners leave the EU executive looking a lame duck administration until its term is up in November.
Economic commissioner Pedro Solbes is off to become deputy premier in Spain and EU employment chief Anna Diamantopoulou has left following her participation in Greek national elections.
In a 65 per cent turnout at the weekend the French left coalition won 50.13 per cent of votes against the right's 36.95 per cent and 12.55 per cent for the far right Front National.
The Parti Socialiste and its allies booted out Chirac's UMP in thirteen regions in France and maintained all others, leaving only Alsace firmly in the blue.
Faced with the overwhelming defeat prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin admitted the socialists had "won" and said "changes will take place".
And he has already admitted Paris has plans for regional policy chief Barnier.
Raffarin told French reporters a few weeks ago he had asked Barnier if he would consider a move.
Barnier's reply was: "I would prefer to stay in Brussels but if Chirac proposed a very good position I would not refuse."
If Barnier does step down, disgraced UMP chairman Alain Juppé is widely expected to replace him.
Chirac is looking to move Juppé from Paris in case his appeal against a recent fraud conviction is upheld in October in which case he cannot stay in national politics.
If Barnier returns to Paris it will provide the perfect reshuffle opportunity.
But the reshuffle which has already been planned for several weeks is not likely to include Raffarin's resignation as the Frenchman is a big friend of Jacques Chirac and there is no obvious replacement.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.