After the Yes of the Irish, the hunt for wallets has begun

After the Irish referendum, all of Brussels is heating up over a new battle... Who will be part of the future European Commission? Only the
President, José-Manuel Barroso, reappointed by Parliament in September, is indeed known. But who will surround him, and in what position? Fall casting is open…

For the name, it's simple. Governments choose who they want. It can be a former minister that we want to reward or... that we want to get rid of, a
political heavyweight or… a staunch ally. For the wallet, it's more complicated. Because it is the President of the Commission who distributes the cards. And the choice must be made in accordance with
him and the other European partners. Everyone naturally wants a “first choice” portfolio: Competition, Internal Market, Economy, Justice, Politics
foreign. But a clever balance between small/big, east/west, right/left, is necessary. Complicated…

So, everyone has their own technique! Some do it very early, believing that it is better to be inside than outside. The Belgian commissioner, Karel de Gucht
has already taken office, taking over from his colleague Louis Michel, elected MEP, as Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid.

Luxembourg's Viviane Reding is also returning for a third term; which makes her the "veteran" of the institution. Others make the rounds of meals.
The Romanians who are targeting Agriculture have thus obtained the support of France, Germany and Poland. Good performance ! All of them, more or less, have the art of covering their tracks. Through
For example, you proclaim your interest in one portfolio loud and clear and try to eye another one that is more conducive to your national interests or more prestigious. The Spaniards who today have
Economy could fall back on regional policy.

But there is a catch. Almost all of the proposed names are male. And Barroso has made this clear to governments: he wants at least a third of women. From
Suddenly, some change their minds. The Greek Minister for Foreign Affairs, the beautiful Dora Bakoyannis (*) and her Austrian counterpart, Ursula Plassnik, have thus risen in the hit parade of
"appointable".

(*) candidature which could be called into question by the arrival of PASOK (socialist party) in power in Greece.

("short" version published in Ouest-France this morning)