Angela Merkel wants a German to succeed Jean-Claude Juncker as European Commission boss
The move could see Berlin claim a clean sweep of the top EU positions, with feared Eurocrat Martin Selmayr wielding huge influence at the helm
ANGELA Merkel is plotting to strengthen Berlin’s iron grip on the EU by shoehorning in her own man as its new chief official.
The Chancellor wants a German to succeed Jean-Claude Juncker as boss of the Commission, increasing her stranglehold on the powerful institution.
Such a move could see Berlin claim a clean sweep of its top positions, with feared Eurocrat Martin Selmayr already wielding huge influence at the helm.
It would also herald Germany, which has recently prioritised controlling the EU’s bank (ECB), taking on even more political leadership in the bloc.
Amongst those in contention are economy minister Peter Altmaier, defence minister Ursula von der Leyen and virulently anti-Brexit MEP Manfred Weber.
A Berlin source told German newspaper Handelsblatt: “The EU Commission, rather than the ECB, is the top priority for Merkel.”
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Mr Juncker, who hails from Luxembourg, has been dogged by rumours about his health and has vowed to step down at the end of next year.
But hugely powerful Mr Selmayr, who was controversially appointed Secretary-General of the Commission in February, could try to cling to his job.
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