International News

RIYADH, (MILLAT+APP/AFP) – Former European Commission
chief Jose Manuel Barroso said on Tuesday he was concerned about Donald Trump’s election as president but believed US institutions were capable of protecting American values.
Barroso, who joined US investment bank Goldman Sachs this year, told
AFP that Trump’s surprise victory had to be respected but “I’m still concerned.”
Speaking on the sidelines of the MISK Global Forum in Saudi Arabia,
Barroso said the US system “has all the capacities…. to deal with threats” to basic American values.
“And the basic values of America are democracy, freedom, and
non-discrimination and justice.”
He had earlier warned the forum about the threats of nationalism,
chauvinism and racism around the world.
The two-day forum brings business leaders together with young Saudis
in a bid to inspire their involvement in diversification of the kingdom’s oil-dependent economy.
Trump defeated his challenger Hillary Clinton despite campaign
comments which disturbed Muslims, Mexicans and many women.
The billionaire real estate developer, who has never held elected
office, has also called climate change a “hoax” and campaigned on a strongly protectionist platform.
Barroso has himself been a controversial personality.
He headed the Commission, the EU’s powerful executive arm, from 2004
until 2014, emerging as a high-profile public figure with political and business connections which critics say he could use unfairly to Goldman’s advantage.
Barroso joined Goldman Sachs after waiting the mandatory 18 months
following his departure from the senior EU job.
But that has not spared him widespread criticism, including from the
EU’s own staff.
His successor, Jean-Claude Juncker, has said he wants tighter ethics rules.