EUROPEAN COMMISSION Parliamentary hearings
Barnier walks the tightrope
By Jim Brunsden - 14.01.2010 / 13:52 CET
France's choice for internal-market post indicates he will be an active regulator, but also open to business.
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Fact file
MICHEL BARNIER
Internal market and services
Nationality: French
Political Affiliation: EPP
Previous job: MEP
Age: 59
Stickiest moment
Barnier repeatedly failed to answer questions from MEPs on whether the Parliament should be given a role at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), in one case interpreting a call for greater transparency from the BIS as one for more transparency from the Commission.
Pledge of the day
Barnier promised to visit a different member state “every week” during his mandate in order to discuss internal market issues, notably implementation of directives. “I will not concentrate on capitals, I will go to the regions and I will meet all the actors that can help me,” he said.
Best reply
UK Independence Party MEP Godfrey Bloom said he was at the hearing to speak “on behalf of the UK financial services industry”.
“I thought you spoke on behalf of your voters,” Barnier replied, to applause.
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