Poland in the EU

The Polish MEP Jerzy Buzek is more likely to win the job of next president of the European Parliament because... he is a protestant.

Although religion is not exactly a criterion, I have heard this surprising conclusion from a senior MEP (whose name I cannot mention since the discussion was off the record). It does seem rather logical.

Within the Christian Democratic (EPP) group in the European Parliament there are two candidated for next head: Mr. Buzek and the Italian MEP Mario Mauro. The later is vigorously promoted by prime minister Berlusconi, and his party will probably score very well in the June election.

I have the impression that Mr. Mauro i prefered by MEPs from the south, such as Spain and some from France. Most Germans, Central Europeans and Scandinavians would rather choose Mr. Buzek.

My interlocutor suggests that faith will play a role. While Buzek is (unusually for Poland) protestant, Mr. Mauro is catholic and an active member of the Comunion and Liberation movement. "For some of the French, Belgians, Scandinavians even in the EPP group somebody so close to the Vatican will be unacceptable", he says. He himself obviously rules out Mauro, although religion is not his main reason.

He does have a point. So in addition to nationality, personality, experience, deals about posts to be filled, political alliances etc. a thing such as religion might play a part. Smells a bit un-European, doesn't it?