José Manuel Barroso on Tuesday made an impassioned plea for a second term as European Commission president as sceptical lawmakers launched blistering attacks intended to deprive him of a strong mandate in his likely return to office.

Although Mr Barroso’s confirmation is considered secure, several parliamentary observers were late on Tuesday predicting that he would fall short of the 369 votes necessary to claim an absolute majority in the 736-member assembly. Crossing that threshold would allow him to boast of broad popular support and press his agenda as he embarks on a second five-year term.