Rehn clears way for Verhofstadt to lead Liberal’s election campaign

The two liberal candidates in the European Commission presidential race, Olli Rehn and Guy Verhofstadt, reached an agreement on the 20 January 2014, cancelling their expected duel over the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe's candidacy for the European Commission presidency.

The move has surprised some experts who said Olli Rehn, the EU's economic and monetary affairs commissioner, has stepped aside to let Verhofstadt, the leader or the ALDE group in the European Parliament, take the lead, and secure for himself a high-level post in the new Commission.

In December 2013, Rehn appeared to be in pole position to lead the EU liberals in the 2014 election campaign, after he secured the support of 14 liberal parties.

ESO: Background information: Rehn in pole position to lead EU liberals in 2014 election campaign http://www.europeansources.info/record/rehn-in-pole-position-to-lead-eu-liberals-in-2014-election-campaign/

ESO: Background information: EU elections: latest across Europe http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-elections-latest-across-europe/

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