The fake scoop of Catherine Asthon's resignation
(BRUXELLES2) Taking advantage of a short sentence from the High Representative during the Brussels Forum, some media quickly headlined the resignation of the High Representative. It is certain that the departure of Catherine Ashton is eagerly awaited in many circles. But the reality is quite different. What exactly did C. Ashton say during this meeting, organized by the German Marshall Fund, on Saturday? " There is no possibility of having a second term. And there needs to be someone else next. » Which is true... But also a little false. There is nothing in the Treaty which prohibits a second mandate for the High Representative (only the mandate of the President of the European Council is limited to 5 years).
The reality: London does not want it
But there is one fact. Even if Catherine Ashton wished it, she would have great difficulty in being renewed. This is due to a basic principle: it is not of the same color as the Conservative/Liberal government in London. And it is probably too "European" for David Cameron who announced a referendum on the island's membership of the European Union. Moreover, it is not clear that the British government wishes to renew the experience of a portfolio in external relations, probably preferring a portfolio with a more economic value. Finally, it is not certain that the 27 wish to renew it.
A grueling job!
C. Ashton, moreover, does not want this. “I had the great privilege of serving in this role. But it's very hard. There are a lot of trips and many times we find ourselves on the plane. We talked about it several times with my dear friend Hillary Clinton. It's exhausting. (…) There are probably people who can do that, which probably I can't, so it's good to hand over”. This is undoubtedly more true and realistic.
End of term: end of October 2014
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Vice-President of the Commission will therefore be leaving at the end of her mandate, at the end of October 2014. Catherine Ashton's current job covers two functions: that of Member of the Commission and High representative which are the subject of two separate decisions but both end at the same time. The calendars are therefore out. The countdown is on. Because many of Lady Ashton's colleagues are also on the way out: JM Barroso (Portuguese), Olli Rehn (Finnish), Joaquim Almunia (Spanish), Sefcovic (Slovak),
Lewandowski (Polish), Oettinger (German),... Many think about it. Because, as evidenced by the small counter set up on the right of this site, we are less than 600 days before the end of the mandate...
To follow on the Club (subscribers):
- Some candidates
- Nomination parameters
- European posts. the campaign begins
