Barroso in renewed search for 'the right stuff' 

The historic showdown between Commission and the Parliament on 27 October, which forced Barroso to withdraw his team in the face of a no-confidence vote, has triggered a wave of speculation as to just how many commissioners designate he will need to let go of in the promised reshuffle.   

The leader of the conservative EPP group in the Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering, has stated that the resignation of Buttiglione does not mean the coast is now clear for Barroso. He specifically mentioned the Hungarian Commissioner designate Laszlo Kovacs, the Latvian Ingrida Udre and the Dutchwoman Neelie Kroes as problematic. The Danish Commissioner designate Mariann Fischer Boel has also previously been cited as another who may end up having to step down.   

However, Mr Pöttering's political standing has been seriously weakened by news that he was apparently a key player behind the failed efforts of Barroso to bully the EP into accepting the initial Commission line-up.   

Rocco Buttiglione himself told the Italian press that he in fact offered to resign on 26 October prior to the planned vote in EP, but Pöttering encouraged Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi to stick to his guns.   

President Barroso is expected to seek approval of a new line-up at the European Council on 4-5 November.