EU Commission chief: Draghi over von der Leyen?
The European elections in June will not only decide the future composition of the European Parliament, but also who becomes the President of the EU Commission. The heads of state and government must reach an agreement and the Parliament must give its consent. For the European press it is by no means certain that Ursula von der Leyen will secure a second mandate as president even if her EPP remains the strongest group in the Parliament.
Best suited for the job
The former ECB chief is a real contender for the post of EU Commission President, says Die Presse:
“Draghi-mania is on the rise again in Brussels these days. This is due to the missteps of Ursula von der Leyen, the incumbent and candidate of the European People's Party for her own succession. The prophecies of doom according to which von der Leyen has neither the necessary majority in Parliament nor the support of the European Council are growing louder and louder. ... Draghi would undoubtedly be one of the most qualified candidates for the top job at the Commission's Berlaymont headquarters.”
More effective out of the spotlight
President of the European Council would be the best post for Draghi, news website Liberal contends:
“As head of the European Council, Draghi would primarily operate out of the spotlight and promote the EU's interests by finding solutions that are accepted by all sides. So it's a role that suits him best in the current situation. ... Today Draghi seems to have everyone's support. Even Viktor Orbán's. ... Super Mario is undoubtedly the right man to take the lead so that Europe does not lag behind the US and China and is competitive on a global level.”
Plenković also a potential candidate
A few factors would have to come together for Croatia's prime minister to become head of the EU Commission, says Jutarnji list:
“If the member states or the majority in the EU Parliament don't want von der Leyen, but the European People's Party (EPP) insists that the head of the Commission should come from its ranks, Andrej Plenković has good chances - provided it doesn't have to be a woman and you want it to be someone from Eastern Europe. ... Because the EPP doesn't have many good and experienced candidates. Alongside Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Plenković is the most respected leader from the ranks of the EPP.”