President of France Emmanuel Macron is in talks with EU leaders regarding the candidacy for the new President of the European Commission. Among the candidates is former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, according to Bloomberg.
Bloomberg indicates that five years ago, Macron played an important role in the election of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission.
With less than two months to go before the elections, Macron discussed with the prime ministers, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the possibility of a technocratic leader emerging in the EU executive.
When Ursula von der Leyen became President of the European Commission in 2019, she promised to transform the institution into a geopolitical commission. However, EU officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggest that she may have lost the chance to do so due to the politicization of her role.
Macron criticizes Ursula von der Leyen
Bloomberg reports that von der Leyen is facing deep dissatisfaction from some representatives of European capitals, particularly regarding trade negotiations, climate change, and relations with the US. Macron has openly criticized her actions.
"The commission presidency is there to defend the general interest, so it must not be over-politicized," he said.
Officials in Brussels, including von der Leyen's office, are unsure whether Macron is genuinely seeking a replacement for the leadership position. Alternatively, they believe he may be exerting pressure on her to secure concessions in the future.
"Regardless of Macron’s maneuvering, von der Leyen is still the clear favorite since she’s the lead candidate for the center-right European People’s Party," the article says.
Mario Draghi
The Italian economist and statesman, former Prime Minister of Italy from February 13, 2021, to July 21, 2022 (acting from July 21, 2022, to October 21, 2022).
He served as the Chairman of the Bank of Italy (2005-2011) and as the President of the European Central Bank (2011-2019). In January, the Financial Times wrote that Charles Michel's decision to resign early from his position as President of the European Council set the stage for negotiations regarding top positions in the EU. Former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, according to some, is the leading candidate.
However, later, European Council President Charles Michel decided to withdraw his candidacy from the elections to the European Parliament.
