According to the cited source, Klaus Iohannis (64 years old) would have a chance to head the EC because he is appreciated by the European leaders, especially the conservative ones, and Romania had an “exemplary” behavior in the context of the war in Ukraine.
Politico begins its article by noting that the current president of the European executive, Ursula von der Leyen, remains the favorite to continue in office, but her position is not as secure as it is believed. The cited publication mentions six other potential candidates with chances.
Mario Draghi, circulated again for a top European post
The first mentioned is former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi (76), a veteran of European politics whose name frequently comes up as a possible candidate when international leadership roles become vacant.
Draghi, former head of the European Central Bank, has also been suggested as a possible replacement for Charles Michel at the head of the European Council.
However, the former Italian prime minister does not have a clear political affiliation and it is unlikely that the European People’s Party (EPP), the largest political group in the European Parliament, will give up the position of head of the EC in favor of an independent, notes Politico.
Roberta Metsola, a rising politician
The second name circulated is that of the current president of the European Parliament (EP), Roberta Metsola.
If Ursula von der Leyen fails to get the necessary support for a second term at the head of the EC, other top leaders of the EPP could take her place, and among the favorites is Roberta Metsola (45 years old).
The incumbent head of the EP, Roberta Metsola, has managed to maintain a good position by avoiding political conflicts and standing tall in the field of foreign policy. She was the first European leader to visit Kiev after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion.
The fact that she comes from Malta, a small country in terms of territory, does not help her. In addition, it does not help that she has no executive experience, neither in the European Union nor in her own country.
Christine Lagarde, a possible choice of France
Among the potential candidates is the president of the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde (68 years old). According to Politico, French President Emmanuel Macron would like a key position in the European Union to be held by someone from France after years of German dominance.
However, it is unlikely that Lagarde will leave the head of the European Central Bank. In addition, the Elysee Palace would consider her for a ministerial post at home.
Klaus Iohannis, a team player
The fourth possible candidate mentioned is Klaus Iohannis. The President of Romania is seen as a firm hand and is appreciated by European leaders, especially conservative ones. Both Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have praised him for keeping his country anchored in the pro-Western and pro-European camp after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – which cannot be said for Hungary, Slovakia or Bulgaria. Unlike Poland, Romania strictly followed the rules of the European single market and did not unilaterally impose restrictions on Ukrainian grain, strengthening Iohannis’ reputation as a “pro-European team player”.
Many argue that it is time for Eastern Europe to lead the EU. In this case, the German-speaking Iohannis is well placed, coming from the same political family, the EPP, that von der Leyen is a part of. The decision of the EPP to organize its congress in Bucharest testifies to the favorable position of the European leaders towards Iohannis and Romania.
Ending his second term as Romanian president in December, Klaus Iohannis is looking for an international position. Last month, the Romanian president confirmed his candidacy for NATO leadership, but he will face a difficult battle considering the widely announced support for Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Politico claims that Iohannis’ intention to run for the headship of NATO would have “irritated” some European states, which could be an impediment to the presidency of the European Commission.
Two other names are mentioned by Politico, namely Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic (54), also a member of the EPP, and the current European Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton (69), a French conservative with executive experience who hinted that he wants to be “plan B” if Ursula von der Leyen does not get the necessary support.
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Tags: Politico Klaus Iohannis Chance European Commission List Substitutes
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