MNI SOURCES: Italy EC Appointment Risk Over Political Crisis

--Technocrat Best Bet To Boost Chances Of Senior Appointment

--Italian Foreign Affairs Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi Possible Candidate

By Silvia Marchetti

     ROME (MNI) - Political chaos in Rome could impact Italy's hopes of securing

a senior European Commissioner post, further poisoning relations with Brussels,

sources close to the government and familiar with EU negotiations told MNI.

     Italy must nominate candidates by August 26 and the current government

upheaval makes it unlikely that a leading party politician's name will be

forwarded to Ursula von der Leyen, the incoming Commission president, for

selection.

     "It's a really bad timing. The only way forward is if a transition cabinet

appointed by head of state Sergio Mattarella names a technocrat, not a

politician tied to any specific party," one source told MNI.

     Following victory in May's European Parliament elections, the Lega party

were expected to nominate a candidate for the Brussels job, but that option

appears to have gone as they attempt to collapse the current governing coalition

and force early elections.

     According to another Rome source, it would be unlikely for von der Leyen to

appoint a party politician. "Our best bet is to opt for a technocrat, someone

who is already known on the EU or international stage," the source added.

     One such figure could be Enzo Moavero Milanesi, current Foreign affairs

minister and deputy secretary-general of the European Commission from 2002

through 2005, though Italy could still forward more than one name.

     --OPTIONS

     The next EC President has made it clear she wants a stronger gender balance

in the Commissioner College, meaning Italy could nominate two candidates, one

male, one female.

     "Alongside Moavero, a woman could be nominated to increase Italy's odds. If

the profile is good, von der Leyen could even decide to give (Rome) a high level

portfolio, although I see that quite unlikely," the second source said.

     Potential women candidates could include Federica Mogherini, the EU's

outgoing foreign affairs representative, and Elisabetta Belloni, currently

foreign affairs secretary-general.

     Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte had hoped for a prime appointment,

having supported von der Leyen's election in exchange for a top EC job for Rome,

with the coalition eying competition, trade or, in a worst-case, agriculture --

all jobs France is eyeing in a beefed-up super-portfolio, with current Brexit

chief negotiator Michel Barnier tipped by some for the post.

     A former EU diplomat noted Italy's job objectives were unchanged, but more

speed was needed in making nominations, noting "All EU countries have forwarded

their candidates except for Italy, Portugal and France. If we don't name someone

by Aug 26 I doubt von der Leyen will wait for Italy."

     "The current political mayhem is giving unlimited negotiating power to

other member states to grab what they want," the diplomat warned.

     Some in the EU would be surprised if Italy was rewarded a plum job given

the current disputes with the Commission on fiscal policy and immigration,

additional Brussels sources told MNI. 

     --CLARITY

     The fog over Rome's political landscape should start to clear a little in

coming days and governing, including the appointment of a Commissioner, must

continue.

     "Let's not forget that once the commissioner for Italy is named by whatever

government, he or she must stay in place for the whole 5-year mandate. Rome

can't switch commissioner at a later stage depending on which political party

rises to power, that's why a technocrat is the best solution," the first

official noted.

--Additional reporting by David Thomas

--MNI London Bureau; tel: +44 203-586-2225; email: les.commons@marketnews.com

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