PR27/06/2009 Europe deserves better - Stop Barroso

Following the presentation of the Greens' Stop Barroso campaign in Brussels
earlier this week, European Greens member parties are promoting the campaign
mainly thought the internet in all EU member countries.

Top politicians should not be reappointed without taking stock of their
performance. The record of José Manuel Barroso, President of the European
Commission, does not stand up to scrutiny - click through the Greens' website
thematic pages at www.stop-barroso.eu (economy, social, trade, environment,
democracy) for more information and take part in our email campaign by
contacting your MEPs or spreading the message to your friends.

The first step is to prevent Barroso from being reappointed by the European
Parliament on 14 July. Apart from the many reasons why Barroso is not fit for
the job, it is illogical and undemocratic to bulldoze through the appointment of
the Commission President in July. This would prejudge the ratification process
of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty. Both the composition of the European Commission and
the manner by which the Commission President is to be appointed would be changed
by the Lisbon Treaty, which could enter into force this year already. If we
successfully delay the decision on his appointment, the next step is to find
alternative candidates.

If the European Parliament refuses to reappoint Barroso on July 14, it is likely
alternative candidates will emerge. The Greens believe Europe deserves a better
Commission President than Barroso. While the Greens do not have a majority for
our own candidate, the Greens are willing to support a candidate from beyond the
Green political family and are working to ensure other candidates come forward
by 14 July.

Ralph Cassar
PRO

www.stop-barroso.eu