The EP Presidency is traditionally divided between the Socialists and the Conservatives. I'm guessing that this will continue to be the case.

Nyrup also sees the Liberals as a greater threat than the Christian Democrats, to judge by the recent exchange of open letters.

So, ELDR and PES are competing for the social-liberal space and not contesting the EPP's place as the largest political party.

If suits the PES to shut out the ELDR's Graham Watson from the EP presidency through a backroom deal.

Most economists teach a theoretical framework that has been shown to be fundamentally useless. -- James K. Galbraith