Commission nominee pulls out of running

BULGARIA’S foreign minister, Rumiana Jeleva, withdraw her nomination to the European Commission after a week of criticism and pressure from members of the European Parliament.

Her decision means further delays in appointing the new Commission and extending the mandate of the current caretaker Commission for an extra two weeks while her replacement is put through her paces by MEPs.

But four other Commissioners designate who MEPs were unhappy with after their hearings are due to get the go-ahead today after further meetings in Strasbourg yesterday.

Many MEPs are frustrated with the delays and the leader of the Fianna Fáil members, Pat the Cope Gallagher, said the key issue is that Europe get back to work.

“The only way we can tackle the economic social and political problems facing Europe is that the Parliament, Commission and national government all work together – so let’s get on with it.”

The withdrawal of the Bulgarian nominee is seen as a blow to Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso who just days ago defended her in a letter to the parliament saying he believed she was competent and there was no issue over her declaration of financial dealings.

Her resignation has also infuriated the European People’s Party, the largest group in the Parliament, and of which Jeleva is a vice-president.

The EPP’s chairman, Joseph Daul, accused the other political groups of playing politics with Jeleva and treating her unfairly during her three-hour-long hearing for the job of Development Commissioner.

Bulgarian Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, nominated World Bank vice-president, Kristalina Georgieva to replace her.

The Parliament will vote on whether to accept the Commission on February 9 or 10.