Join us this Wednesday at 7:30 pm in SMG 304 to discuss the upcoming European Union Presidential election.
With the Lisbon Treaty passed by all 27 member states, the way has been cleared for a new type of Presidency in the European Council. Currently a regularly rotated position, the Presidency under the Lisbon Treaty is to become a fixed position, allowing the President to chair EU summits, drive the work of the Council of Ministers and represent the EU on the world stage. Several candidates have emerged, the most intriguing being:
Herman Van Rompuy (Belgium): The Belgian Prime Minister is an academic-turned-politician, an economist who has proven effective with economic policy and compromise within his linguistically divided country. His success in quelling tensions within his own country would serve him well if charged with keeping the EU truly unified.
Tony Blair (United Kingdom): The former Prime Minister is at once very popular and very unpopular, both in the UK and throughout Europe. His reputation as being subservient to the United States hurts his case and while a long shot, Blair’s high profile might keep him in the running.
Jan-Peter Balkenende (Netherlands): The Dutch PM’s persistence has reminded the world that the Netherlands is an important economic force. He is center-right, like many European leaders, and this may help his candidacy.
Vaira Vike-Freiberga (Latvia): The “Iron Lady of Latvia” is the only female candidate in our discussion. She offers Eastern European nationalism and a Western European upbringing and education. The combination of tenacity, intellect and pan-European background may be enough to earn her the presidency.
Who do you support? Which of the president’s new functions is the most important and how does this affect your vote? How might their nationalities or political agendas impact their policies? Come meet us this Wednesday, November 11th at 7:30 pm in SMG 304!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7371840.stm
