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Originally posted by Movhisattva
Apparently the name of the Belgian prime minister, Herman Van Rompuy, is heard more often these days as possible first EU President. He seems to be more or less a consensus figure - none of the 27 EU countries would have a problem putting him in position, according to De Morgen (in Dutch, sorry).
Also, I guess it wouldn't be wise to start off with a German, French or British man/woman on the job, for all three are still too much involved in their mutual powertrip.
I guess being a consensus figure is part of Hermans political path already: he got his prime ministership after his predecessor totally messed up and the country needed someone who everyone could tolerate as the new prime minister
He's a Christian-Democrat who writes Haiku's - and a rather dull, grey, non-charismatic guy ... But hey, I'm glad Blair isn't the one in favour anymore - nor Sarkozy or, God forbid, Berlusconi...
[edit on 2/11/09 by Movhisattva]
The Daily Telegraph can disclose that the Flemish Christian Democrat was an architect of his party’s federalist manifesto which calls for a massive extension of the presence of the EU in town halls, schools and sporting events.
The manifesto says: “Apart from the euro, also other national symbols need to be replaced by European symbols (licence plates, identity cards, presence of more EU flags, one time EU sports events, …).”
Mr Van Rompuy suggested a compromise to placate any anger at the perceived dilution of national pride. The manifesto continued: “In order to preserve unity in diversity a national reference can be preserved (as on the national side of euro coins).”
Originally posted by Toorop
Do you know anything about the European Union?
There is already one leader. His name is José Manuel Durão Barroso, former Portuguese Prime-Minister (left his mandate half-way in 2004 to get this gig, #ing #), and the name of the position is President of the European Comission. He's just recently been re-elected by his Comission peers for another 5 years.