Rehn to run for EU parliament

European Commissioner responsible for economic and monetary affairs and the euro, Ollie Rehn, is one of seven Commissioners taking leave of absence to stand for election to the European Parliament.

His duties for the eight weeks will be given to the Estonian Commissioner Siim Kallas who will continue with his transport portfolio.

Mr Rehn, probably the best known of the Commissioners after the euro crisis, has said he will return to his job on May 25 after the elections, in time for the EU leaders’ summit that will put forward their candidate for Commission president.

Standing for the small Centre party Mr Rehn is expected to take one of Finland’s 13 seats reversing his defeat when he stood in 1996. The party is part of the ALDI liberal group, the third largest in the European Parliament, and Mr Rehn had hoped to be their nominee for the position of Commission president.

However, he stood down after negotiations within the group leaving group leader former Belgian prime minister Guy Verhofstadt ALDI’s lead candidate. Fianna Fáil and the independent Irish MEP Marian Harkin are members of this group.

With degrees in economics, international relations and journalism from Finland and the US and a doctorate from Oxford Mr Rehn is expected to be a key contender for the chair of the Econ committee.

Another vice-president, Viviane Reding responsible for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship is expected to take a seat for her native Luxembourg.

Those who are elected may return to the Commission until the new parliament takes its seats at the start of July.

In November there will be a new Commission.