Blair for EU President?

Tony Blair has apparently set his sights across the English Channel, as he is a contender to become the first president of the European Union. While he has yet to officially announce his candidacy, the British government has already declared its support for Blair, and he is seen as a front-runner for the position.

The Guardian:

Tony Blair is a contender to become the first president of the EU with the full backing of the British government, the new Europe minister said [Monday].

Glenys Kinnock, in Strasbourg for the opening session of the new European parliament, said that although the former prime minister had not formally declared his candidacy, it was “certainly” the government position to support him.

“I am sure they would not do it without asking him,” Lady Kinnock said. “The UK government is supporting Tony Blair’s candidature for president of the council.”

The new post is to be created under the Lisbon treaty, which will streamline the way the EU is run if it is endorsed in an Irish referendum in early October.

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AP / Sang Tan

Tony Blair, who was British prime minister for 10 years, is shown in June 2007 as he was leaving office.