Another boost for Barroso from Czech Republic

Jose Manuel Barroso’s campaign to keep his job is gathering momuntum with the Czech prime minister becoming the latest to throw his weight behind the EU Commission President.

Jan Fischer was speaking after a meeting in Paris with President Nicholas Sarkozy who yesterday, along with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, gave Barroso his backing.

Fischer made clear he was speaking on behalf of his country and not the Czech presidency of the EU.

“The Czech Republic supports wholeheartedly the candidacy of Jose Manuel Barroso for the presidency of the Commission,” he said

Barroso has the support of centre-right parties, which dominate the European parliament. But the left is opposed to his candidacy and is in talks with other parliamentary groups on putting up a challenger.

Barroso may be endorsed by EU leaders at a summit next week.

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tags: Czech Republic, EU Commission, European elections