There is no doubt that José Manuel Durão Barroso will remain the European Commission’s president for a 2nd term. As European newspapers report, political leaders of most EU members states and the biggest political families sitting in the European Parliament are ok with Barroso keeping the job.

Is Mr. Barroso the president we need? Does he have the charisma Europe needs in times of political and economic crisis? Did he show the right abilities one needs to cope with difficult situations? What do Europeans think when they see Barroso’s face? Who remembers the president’s successes?

It’s cruel to say but Barroso’s image is mostly linked to the three failed referenda. Fiasco in France, defeat in the Netherlands, flop in Ireland and resulting clumsy struggle for Europe (‘s face?). Why not get some fresh air? Why not pick a young “European statesman” à la Delors?

Right, too late for such a proposal!

Still, having a real emperor also sounds like a cool thing…

The picture comes from the EC Audiovisual Service: http://ec.europa.eu/avservices/home/index_en.cfm