Tony Blair set to become EU chief as Sarkozy battles to win him the post
2009 02 08
By Simon Walters and Peter Allen | dailymail.co.uk
Helpful friend: Nicolas Sarkozy wants Tony Blair to become the first EU President
Tony Blair is poised to become the first President of Europe after it was confirmed that French leader Nicolas Sarkozy is determined to help him win the post.
A senior aide to President Sarkozy told a private gathering of senior British and French politicians that he is to tell fellow EU leaders that Mr Blair is the only man who can help Europe stand up to the rest of the world.
The remark by Alain Minc, a key member of Mr Sarkozy’s inner circle, is the second French blow to Gordon Brown’s standing in two days, coming after Mr Sarkozy said Mr Brown’s decision to combat the recession by cutting VAT was a ‘mistake’.
Mr Minc, a political wheeler-dealer, entrepreneur and TV show host, was attending a meeting last month of the Franco British Colloque, a high-powered discussion group of British and French politicians, civil servants and opinion-formers.
Members are under orders not to reveal the confidential discussions, but The Mail on Sunday has established that Mr Minc used the meeting to win support for Mr Sarkozy’s campaign to ensure Mr Blair becomes the President of Europe.
The role is due to be created next year – but only if the EU’s controversial Lisbon Treaty is ratified in the autumn by Ireland and the Czech Republic, the two EU countries which have so far refused to do so.
Mr Minc told the gathering, which was also attended by French Prime Minister Francois Fillon: ‘When the Lisbon Treaty is ratified, Europe will move into a new phase. Europe will need a strong leader and Nicolas Sarkozy will nominate Tony Blair for the position.’
Mr Minc explained why Mr Sarkozy was determined to overcome opposition to Mr Blair from a handful of EU leaders, notably German chancellor Angela Merkel.
He said: ‘We have to unite and say to Mrs Merkel that we cannot afford not to have Tony Blair, who will be a strong figurehead, is entirely respected around the world and will be a commanding leader at the helm of Europe.’
Mr Minc has been described by one commentator as ‘France’s Peter Mandelson’. Indeed, his AM Conseil consultancy has employed Lord Mandelson as an ‘adviser’ in the past and the two are members of the Policy Network think-tank.
Respected: Barack Obama watches Mr Blair speak in Washington last week
The conference took place in Versailles, days after Mr Blair visited Paris to chair a conference for Mr Sarkozy on the economic crisis, in what was seen as the latest part of a charm offensive to boost his chances of winning the EU presidency.
Mr Blair paid glowing tribute to Mr Sarkozy’s recent performance in the rotating EU presidency, saying: ‘Under his leadership, Europe looked as if it were acting in concert.’
Mr Blair was referred to as Prime Minister Blair throughout – Mr Brown was not even invited.
The post of President of the EU’s Council of Ministers will replace the current system under which the EU nations on a six-monthly basis. Supporters say it is the only way to give the presidency rotates among EU a strong voice.
Critics claim it is another step on the road to a European superstate.
Publicly, Mr Blair says he is not campaigning for a job ‘which does not even exist’.
Privately, friends say he would relish it.
Likewise, in public Mr Brown’s advisers say he is ‘relaxed’ about the prospect.
Privately, they admit it is a ‘nightmare’ which would further diminish his status.
Overshadowed: Mr Brown's aides say Mr Blair's appointment would be a ‘nightmare’
Mr Minc was not the only person at the conference to make provocative remarks about ‘President Blair’.
Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell, tipped to succeed Mr Brown as Labour leader, is in hot water after apparently backing the idea.
Asked if Mr Blair was the right man for the job, Mr Purnell said: ‘We need someone who is a world-respected statesman, has experience of being involved in intractable international issues like the Irish peace process, and, while being on the Centre Left, understands how the markets work and sparkles with charisma...’
As Mr Purnell, a close ally of Mr Blair, paused for effect, there were gasps from some in the audience who realised they were meant to think he was referring to Mr Brown’s predecessor.
He then added: ‘...which is why I nominate Bill Clinton.’
The joke was not lost on fellow guests, who knew that, as an American, Mr Clinton is not eligible.
A spokesman for Mr Purnell said: ‘It was an after-dinner gag. He did not endorse Mr Blair.’
Source: President Blair: Former PM set to become EU chief as Sarkozy battles to win him the post
Related Articles
Witchcraft and nail clippings: the weird world of Cherie Blair?
Tony Blair & Wife Perform Chant Ritual To Lizards/Pyramid In Mexico
Blair rejects calls for probe into London bombings
New EU foreign policy think tank created - European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)
Tony Blair converts to Catholicism
Operation Sarkozy
Leading author claims Sarkozy is 'Napoleon in a suit'
Nigel Farage on the New Euro-Nationalists (Video)
EU Constitution author says referendums can be ignored
Latest News from our Front Page
|
The Ata ’Alien’ Humanoid May Have An Earthling Cousin
2013 05 24
When a new documentary promised to unveil DNA tests on a 6-inch-tall humanoid found 10 years ago in Chile, everyone weighed in with an opinion.
UFO researchers hoped this might finally be proof of alien visitations. Skeptics were sure it was nothing more than shameless movie promotion.
The latest ripple in this controversy might be the most bizarre turn yet.
And by "ripple," ... |
Shocking new theory: Humans hunted, ate Neanderthals
2013 05 24
Red Ice Creations Note: To hear the flip side of this theory, tune into Red Ice Radio with guest Danny Vendramini , where "Neanderthal Predation Theory" and human origins is examined. Vendramini argues that Neanderthals were the top ’apex’ predators, and humans were the prey.
Danny Vendramini - Hour 1 - Them & Us: Neanderthal Predation Theory
Science.NBC
Humans today eat gorillas and ... |
Deadly Drug Trials: Western Firms Bribed East German Doctors
2013 05 24
It wasn’t just the East German government that benefited from risky patient drug trials commissioned by Western pharmaceutical manufacturers decades ago. These companies also sent liaisons with lavish gifts to bribe and influence doctors to participate.
The presents always came in the springtime. When the representatives of Western pharmaceutical companies arrived at the Leipzig Trade Fair, they made sure that East ... |
Home Secretary secretly strips two more people of British citizenship
2013 05 24
The Home Secretary has stripped at least two additional individuals of their British citizenship in recent months, the Bureau has learned.
In February, an investigation by the Bureau and published with the Independent revealed that Theresa May had signed deprivation of citizenship orders for 16 people between the 2010 election and November 2012, including five British-born individuals. That total has now ... |
Mahatma Gandhi’s blood fails to sell at auction
2013 05 24
Famous pacifist Mahatma Gandhi didn’t like to spill any when he was alive so it is quite ironic a sample of his blood was put up for sale in a recent auction.
In the end the activist’s body fluid was not sold as no-one was able to meet the £10,000 ($15,155) reserve price.
Gandhi’s blood had been available to buy after being ... |
| More News » |
|
|
|
|
