Dutch competition commissioner Neelie Kroes, a member of the right-wing Liberal party, may want to remain as a European commissioner when new appointments are made next year, but the coalition Christian Democrats and Labour parties have other ideas, reports news agency ANP.

Kroes, who was appointed to the post in 2004, has not yet officially informed the government whether she wishes to be re-appointed in November 2009 but several names are already being circulated as possible replacements, says ANP quoting to sources in Brussels and The Hague.
Among the potential candidates are former agriculture minister Cees Veerman and social affairs minister Piet Hein Donner, both Christian Democrats, while Labour has its eye on the European affairs minister Frans Timmermans and his predecessor Dick Benschop.
According to tradition, it is now Labour’s turn to appoint the Netherlands’ EU commissioner. However, sources have told ANP that the CDA believes Labour has enough prestigious positions with the recent appointment of Ahmed Aboutaleb as Rotterdam mayor.
Neelie Kroes is seen as a great success as competition commissioner. She is currently at number 47 in the Forbes list of 100 most powerful women.