Barroso: EU reshuffle 'limited'
Italy still backing its controversial choice for commissioner
STRASBOURG, France -- The embattled head of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso said he would conduct a "very limited" reshuffle of his proposed EU executive and hoped to present it to the European Parliament in less than a month.
"There will not be an extensive reshuffle, it will be very limited," he said on Europe 1 radio Thursday, adding that the new list would be ready "in less than a month, I hope."
Barroso postponed presenting his 24-strong executive team to the European parliament Wednesday after it seemed certain to be voted down.
The EC chief faced strong opposition over his proposed justice commissioner, Italian Rocco Buttiglione, who offended many lawmakers with his conservative views on homosexuality, marriage and women.
In Italy, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said Thursday that Buttiglione, "as things stand, is Italy's candidate" for European commissioner.
But he added that Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi "will talk with other heads of government" to resolve the impasse. (Berlusconi faces tough choice)
At a news conference Wednesday Barroso defended his decision to delay a vote on his executive, saying he was confident he could find support for a new team.
"I believe that stopping the clock is the best way to find a solution in the best interest of Europe and its people," Barroso told reporters.
"I think we can submit a strong team with broad support ... My intention is to change what is necessary and sufficient," he said.
The 732-member assembly had been set to vote on the new 24-member commission, but Barroso was unable to convince enough lawmakers to give him the simple majority he needed to win approval.
The European Parliament can only vote to accept or reject the entire commission and not individual members.
"If a vote was taken today, the outcome would not be positive," Barroso told parliament earlier on Wednesday. "In these circumstances, I have decided not to submit a new commission for your approval today."
"I need more time to look at this issue and to consult with the council and with you ... It is better to take more time to get it right."
The decision to delay the vote came after Barroso held a last-ditch meeting with Socialist floor leader Martin Schulz, whose 200-strong group demanded Buttiglione be replaced.
Socialist officials had estimated 362 legislators would have voted against the commission, compared to 345 in favor.
"Basically, he has to go back to the drawing board ... to have another go at it," said CNN European Editor Robin Oakley. "It's not a crisis or a complete disaster. It's a mess and it's a humiliation."
