Vote on Barosso delayed until September

BRUSSELS, July 4 (UPI) -- A vote to give European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso a second term has been delayed from July to September, European Union officials say.

National governments supporting Barroso had hoped for a quick vote in the European Parliament to confirm him, but conceded Friday there wasn't enough support to conduct the early vote in the face of sustained protests by Socialists, Liberals, Greens and far-left European Parliament members, the EUobserver reported.

The left-wingers, who view the center-right Barroso as too pro-business, strenuously objected to the planned July 15 vote on his presidency, saying it didn't give enough time to properly quiz the Portuguese politician on his plans for a second term.

The EUobserver also reported they contend the vote plans violate the body's legal requirements.

The left's successful derailing of the quick vote means the EU's center right party, the EPP, will have to court "euroskeptics" to ensure a Barosso victory in September, the newspaper said. It also means other possible presidential candidates could emerge during the summer months, further jeopardizing Barroso's hopes for a second term.