Commissioner Bangemann suspended from official duties
Martin Bangemann, Comissioner for industrial affairs and information and telecommunications technology, has been suspended following his decision to accept a position with Spain's largest telephone company, Telefonica. Mr Bangemann, 64, officially resigned his post in March along with the other 20 Commissioners - but they are continuing in their posts until the new Commission, to be headed by Romano Prodi, takes up office, expected to be in September 1999. He announced his intention on 1 July to quit Brussels for the post with Telefonica. Fellow Commissioners, including President Jacques Santer, expressed 'surprise' and disappointment with Mr Bangemann's sudden announcement, and decided that it would not be possible for him to continue his present duties which include telecommunications policy. He was summoned to a Commission meeting to explain his decision. He gave a five minute explanation and was then asked to leave. Following deliberations, the Commission emphasised that Mr Bangemann cannot take up his new post until the Council has formally replaced him or decided unanimously not to fill the vacancy - which Mr Bangemann has accepted. In a letter to Mr Bangemann, Jacques Santer said he would be granted leave of absence from the Commission. Karel Van Miert, the Competition Commissioner, will take over his portfolio with immediate effect.