Tajani Italy's choice for EU transport job

The IHT says that Italy has nominated its newcommissioner for transport, after a resignation and a reshuffle sawItaly lose the justice portfolio to France.

Antonio Tajani is an MEP and close ally of prime minister SilvioBerlusconi, says the paper. He is replacing former justicecommissioner Franco Frattini, who has returned to Italy to take upa post as foreign minister.

According to a commission press release, Tajani’s nomination hasbeen approved by Barroso, but he will still need to be endorsed bythe European parliament.

Deutsche Welle says that the reshuffle within the commission isthought to be Barroso’s attempt to avoid a repetition of whathappened with Rocco Buttiglione in 2004.

Berlusconi’s first choice for commissioner at the time,Buttiglione’s nomination was pulled after parliament vetoed theappointment due to some homophobic remarks made by Italianpolitician.

Last month, Barroso pre-empted any controversial Berlusconi nomineefor justice commissioner by issuing a statement saying that in theevent of Frattini’s resignation, the justice job would go toJacques Barrot, who had taken over while Frattini was on unpaidleave.

Frattini said in a personal statement issued Thursday, “I have donemy utmost to develop and strengthen the foundations of the area offreedom, security and justice, which is very dear to millions ofEuropean citizens.

“I am proud of the results we have achieved during my term ofoffice.”

It’s not yet clear when Tajani will take up the transport job.

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