Jose manuel barroso biography channel

H.E. José Manuel Barroso - Concordia

Mr Durao Barroso supported the US-led war in Iraq

Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Manuel Durao Barroso, the man nominated to be the new president of the European Commission, has long been seen as a prodigy in Portuguese politics.

He won his first senior government post aged just 29, going on to serve as foreign affairs minister and later - in April - becoming prime minister.

Mr Durao Barroso is a convinced European - fluent in several languages - and was seen as one of only a few leaders capable of winning the backing of all 25 member states in the bloc.

Mr Durao Barroso supported the war in Iraq and provided the venue for talks between US President George W Bush and UK Prime Minister Tony Blair in the Azores on the eve of the conflict, thus guaranteeing his approval by the likes of Britain and Italy.

We have a problem as far as European experience is concerned and we have a problem as far as social engagement is concerned

Poul Nyrup Rasmussen
Leader José Manuel Barroso Biography - Pantheon BINA