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EU head Barroso seeks second term EU head Barroso seeks second term
(about 1 hour later)
Jose Manuel Barroso has declared his candidacy for a second five-year term as the European Commission's president.Jose Manuel Barroso has declared his candidacy for a second five-year term as the European Commission's president.
Mr Barroso was formally asked to stand again by Czech PM Jan Fischer during talks in Brussels following the results of the European Parliament elections.Mr Barroso was formally asked to stand again by Czech PM Jan Fischer during talks in Brussels following the results of the European Parliament elections.
Correspondents say his position has been strengthened by the strong showing of centre-right parties which back him.Correspondents say his position has been strengthened by the strong showing of centre-right parties which back him.
The former Portuguese prime minister has led the European Commission, the EU's executive body, since 2004.The former Portuguese prime minister has led the European Commission, the EU's executive body, since 2004.
The leaders of all 27 member states must agree on the choice of a new commission president at a summit in Brussels next week.
'Strong commission'
Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Mr Barroso said he was honoured to have been asked to declare his candidacy by Mr Fischer. The Czech Republic currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Council, which represents member states.
This acceptance pre-supposes that the European Council and European Parliament embrace the ambitious programme that I will propose for Europe Jose Manuel BarrosoEuropean Commission President
"I have agreed to this request," he said.
Mr Barroso, 53, said he had long hoped for a second term, but warned he would only accept the job if everyone endorsed his vision for the continent.
"This acceptance pre-supposes that the European Council and European Parliament embrace the ambitious programme that I will propose for Europe for the next five years," he said.
"I believe that in time of crisis, we need a strong commission and a strong European Union," he added. "We need ambition."
Mr Fischer said he would discuss Mr Barroso's candidacy with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at talks in Berlin later on Tuesday, before speaking with other EU leaders either in person or by telephone.