Franco Frattini has formally stepped down as the European Union's commissioner for justice, freedom and security following his appointment as foreign minister in the new Italian government of Silvio Berlusconi. "Frattini has accepted to join the Italian government as a minister and consequently has submitted his resignation to the European Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso," commission spokesman Johannes Laitenberger said on Thursday, May 8. Frattini, who also acted as one of the EU executive's five vice-presidents, had taken unpaid leave while taking part in the April election campaign. During that period, he was replaced by Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot of France. Barrot will retain his new post as the EU's top justice official, meaning the Berlusconi government will have to designate a new transport commissioner instead. "At this precise point in time I cannot yet give you any news on who that person will be," the spokesman told reporters.
"Frattini has accepted to join the Italian government as a minister and consequently has submitted his resignation to the European Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso," commission spokesman Johannes Laitenberger said on Thursday, May 8.
Frattini, who also acted as one of the EU executive's five vice-presidents, had taken unpaid leave while taking part in the April election campaign. During that period, he was replaced by Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot of France.
Barrot will retain his new post as the EU's top justice official, meaning the Berlusconi government will have to designate a new transport commissioner instead.
"At this precise point in time I cannot yet give you any news on who that person will be," the spokesman told reporters.
Tajani was appointed to take the place of Frattini.
It is not the sort of appointment Gordon Brown would make to his cabinet. But then Mr Brown is no Silvio Berlusconi, playboy and man of ostentatious political gestures. The Italian prime minister, long known for his fondness for pretty women, has named former topless model and beauty queen Mara Carfagna as equal opportunities minister in his new cabinet. Miss Carfagna, 33, turned to politics after a career on TV following her sixth-place finish in the 1997 Miss Italy contest.
But then Mr Brown is no Silvio Berlusconi, playboy and man of ostentatious political gestures.
The Italian prime minister, long known for his fondness for pretty women, has named former topless model and beauty queen Mara Carfagna as equal opportunities minister in his new cabinet.
Miss Carfagna, 33, turned to politics after a career on TV following her sixth-place finish in the 1997 Miss Italy contest.
The poll also offers several surprises worth meditating. The government starts off with a 49% approval rating- very, very low. Plus 47% do not approve of the government with only 4% undecided. The game is being kicked off with a net polarization of opinions. Calderoli is next to Mara at 39%.
Table 3a is a comparison with the previous Prodi government which started out with a 63% approval rating. Di Pietro's party is also at the top in terms of trust- along with Berlusconi's personal political entity.
I wonder where we live. There seems to be a schism between voting behavior and opinion in the population.
There seems to be a schism between voting behavior and opinion in the population.
I thought that the Berlusconi victory was more to do with his gaming of the system during his last period of office than any preference amongst the public.
You have to remember that most British governments are formed with the majority preferring somebody else. Governments rarely get more than 44% of the vote, so at least 55% don't want them. But they win cos that's the way the system works. keep to the Fen Causeway
