Hard times could lead to big changes in the EU Parliament

The change in how the top jobs in the EU are allocated, coupled with the rise of anti-austerity parties, could produce a very different parliament, writes Europe Correspondent Ann Cahill.

‘THIS time it’s different’ could be the slogan for the European Parliament elections.

The next president of the European Commission should come from the party with the most votes — effectively meaning he (or she) will be elected by the people.