(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many adults in Spain would like to see a former president take a prominent role in the European Union (EU), according to a poll by the Real Insituto Elcano. 43 per cent of respondents would support the election of Felipe González as EU president if the Lisbon Treaty is approved.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many adults in Spain would like to see a former president take a prominent role in the European Union (EU), according to a poll by the Real Insituto Elcano. 43 per cent of respondents would support the election of Felipe González as EU president if the Lisbon Treaty is approved.
Conversely, only 23 per cent of respondents would like to see former British prime minister Tony Blair in the new role.
A new common European body of law, known as the Lisbon Treaty, has been ratified by most of the EU’s 27 members, including Spain. The document’s provisions call for the creation of new posts, such as a foreign policy chief, and a High Representative who will answer to EU governments and serve as vice-president of the European Commission.
Under the terms of the Lisbon Treaty, EU leaders would also choose a president of the European Council for a two and a half year renewable term. This will effectively eliminate the current six-month rotating presidency among member nations. The Lisbon Treaty also provides for the creation of a mutual defence clause, in case one of the member states is attacked.
In June 2008, 53.4 per cent of Irish voters rejected the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty. Ireland, due to its internal regulations, was the only country that had to hold a nationwide vote on the Lisbon Treaty, while other governments were able to decide whether they wanted to do the same. The Irish government has decided to hold a new referendum this fall.
González—a member of the Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE)—was Spain’s first leftist president, governing from December 1982 to May 1996. During his tenure, state education was made universal and free until the age of 16, and Spain joined the European Economic Community (ECC) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
In June, González discussed his views on continental affairs, saying, "Europe is a political midget. It has a lot to say, but lacks a voice to say it. (…) Europe must be strong to prevent the destruction of places like Gaza or the former Yugoslavia."
Polling Data
Do you support or oppose the election of Felipe González as president of the European Union (EU) if the Lisbon Treaty is approved?
|
Support |
43% |
|
Oppose |
23% |
|
Indifferent |
21% |
|
Not sure |
14% |
Do you support or oppose the election of Tony Blair as president of the European Union (EU) if the Lisbon Treaty is approved?
|
Support |
23% |
|
Oppose |
30% |
|
Indifferent |
28% |
|
Not sure |
19% |
Source: Real Insituto Elcano
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,200 Spanish adults, conducted from Jul. 19 to Jun. 3, 2009. No margin of error was provided.
