Von der Leyen could possibly be ousted as EU boss in 2024 with rival tipped for problem
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, is dealing with the prospect of a problem to her management, with one insider claiming an “obvious” rival is already plotting to topple her in 2024.
The 64-year-old, appointed to the put up in 2019, is extremely more likely to search a second time period subsequent yr – however sources have urged France’s Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for Internal Market, had different concepts.
Mr Breton, who can also be a former French finance minister, has already hinted at a potential tilt on the Commission’s high job.
When questioned about his ambitions in December, he defined: “I may be able to consider a new Plan B assignment.”
However, whereas his comment seemed to be stated tongue-in-cheek, it now seems he was being critical.
One unnamed senior political aide instructed Politico: “It’s obvious that Breton wants this job. In fact, it’s becoming more obvious every day.”
Mr Breton would wish the backing of all of Europe’s leaders, in addition to the affirmation of the European Parliament to be able to exchange Ms von der Leyen after subsequent yr’s elections.
However, he’s a extremely influential member of the fee, with insiders suggesting he’s working laborious to make himself look indispensable and lift his profile.
Recently he’s understood to have been instrumental in blocking the appointment of Fiona Scott Morton, a US economist, to an advisory function throughout the fee.
In doing so, he could have been motivated by a private rivalry with Denmark’s Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age, who pushed for Ms Morton’s appointment.
Another insider defined: “Breton had a chance to p*** off Vestager, and that’s not something he would pass up.
“There are probably secondary benefits since he makes no secret of his intentions to take over the presidency of the Commission.”
Ms von der Leyen can also be shedding Frans Timmermans, crushed to the highest job by Ms von der Leyen in 2019 and now government vp.
Speaking on Thursday, Mr Timmermans confirmed his intention to change into Prime Minister of his native Netherlands after the collapse of Mark Rutte’s Government.
Ms Vestager has additionally confirmed she is within the place of European Investment Bank chief and can go by the autumn if she succeeds.
Given she has the backing of Berlin, Ms von der Leyen remains to be nicely positioned for a second time period ought to she search one – however there has additionally been hypothesis that she is eager on the function of NATO Secretary-General.
Incumbent Jens Stoltenberg is because of step down from the function in October 2024, and the job is one which can attraction to the 64-year-old former German defence minister.
Speaking final week, one member of the European People’s Party group throughout the Parliament, with which she is affiliated, admitted uncertainty clouded her future.
They stated: “We don’t know what the hell is going to happen. And we need to know.”