France will push for the presidency of the European Commission rather than the European Central Bank when top EU jobs come up for negotiations later this year, according to three sources briefed on discussions over the matter, reports Reuters.
Paris is eager to secure one of the most powerful jobs in the European Union, with the Commission seen as preferable because it has a greater role in shaping legislation at a critical juncture for the European project, whereas the ECB’s monetary policy responsibilities are narrower.
The European Commission, which serves as the EU’s executive and civil service, will appoint a new president for a five-year term after European Parliament elections take place in May, to succeed Luxembourg’s Jean-Claude Juncker.
ECB President Mario Draghi will stand down at the end of October.
Finance minister Bruno Le Maire told the French Senate last week France would fight to “defend its interests” once negotiations over the EU jobs begin, mentioning the need for Europe to find a leader able to strengthen regional sovereignty in the face of China and the United States.
“There are excellent French candidates for the ECB. But if you want to have an influence on the future of Europe, it’s the Commission that is more important,” a French government source said.
No formal decision has yet been taken on which job France will pursue. President Emmanuel Macron will be responsible for making the choice in the end. His office declined to comment.
Who gets the Commission presidency depends on which party comes out on top in European Parliament elections on May 23rd-26th, and negotiations between EU governments that follow.
The choice of Commission president could see a sharp conflict between national leaders and the European Parliament, which is keen to see them nominate one of the lead candidates in the EU elections - such as the centre right’s Manfred Weber, a German, or centre left’s Frans Timmermans, a Dutchman.