Kritiek in Frankrijk op Chirac's nominatie van Barrot in Europese Commissie (en)

France's choice of European Commissioner has been strongly criticised by an influential opposition politician.

In an interview with Le Monde, Pierre Moscovici, a former minister for Europe, said France had been given the relatively small portfolio of transport because of President Jacques Chirac's insistence in sending a loyal ally of his to Brussels.

"Mr Chirac made the mistake of not renaming a Commissioner who enjoyed the esteem of everyone and who was a heavyweight in the previous commission", said the Socialist politician.

"In comparison with the post that [French Commissioner] Pascal Lamy had before - that of trade - it is a step down", said the former minister.

He went on to say that Jacques Barrot "lacked experience of Europe and apparently spoke no foreign languages".

"Therefore the French commissioner finds himself in a position that is, without being junior, not essential".

At the moment, the transport portfolio carries more weight as it is combined in one department with energy.

However, from 1 November, both will become separate portfolios.

One of the big surprises

The appointment of the Mr Barrot was one of the big surprises of new commission president José Manuel Durao Barroso's team.

France appeared to be the only one of the big countries that did not get an influential portfolio - the UK has trade; Germany has industry; Italy had justice and home affairs and Spain has economic and monetary affairs.

But France has made a point of insisting that it is satisfied with transport although before the nominations were made, there was talk of Mr Barrot taking on internal market or competition.

Arrogance towards Europe

Mr Barrot was sent to Brussels in April after the then French commissioner in charge of regional policy, Michel Barnier, became foreign minister.

The Brussels job was compensation for not getting a cabinet post although Mr Barrot has little direct experience with EU affairs.

Mr Moscovici believes France has been punished for Mr Chirac's "arrogance" towards Europe.

"By treating its partners with hauteur, by humiliating them sometimes brutally, and by behaving in a cavalier fashion towards the Commission, the France of Jacques Chirac finds itself sanctioned".