Dane forced to wait for EU job

MARIANN FISCHER Boel will have to wait another few weeks before finding out if she is to become the next EU farm commissioner.

Euro-MPs were supposed to vote on the new commissioners on Wed (Oct 27), but the election was abandoned.

This was mainly due to complaints about the Italian commissioner-designate Rocco Buttiglione and his views on women and homosexuals.

When it became clear that the European parliament was poised to reject all 25 nominees, commission president-designate Jose Barroso called for a delay while he consults heads of state.

It remains to be seen whether Mr Buttiglione is dropped as a potential commissioner or is moved to a portfolio other than justice and home affairs.

But there are also doubts about a number of other commissioners-designate, including Denmark‘s Mrs Fischer Boel.

She failed to impress Euro-MPs at an open hearing earlier this month and could easily come under renewed pressure.

Meanwhile, current agriculture commissioner Franz Fischler has confirmed he will continue in his job until a successor is confirmed.