Juncker vs Barnier?
Although Luxembourg's former prime minister enjoys prestige and support in high places, his (only?) competitor, Michel Barnier, does not intend to yield. On the contrary. "He is in the worst position," acknowledges Jean-Pierre Audy (EPP, France) but the head of the EPP's French delegation in the EP adds that "nothing has been decided at this stage". Is Barnier's candidacy a symbolic gesture? Many in the party wonder about or are even irritated by this obstinacy, but some are counting on the French national to step aside. The European Socialists are already delighted: "The choice of Juncker would be music to our ears," explained a source. "He would be the candidate of the Troika and bank secrecy. And if Barnier is chosen, it will create disorder in France opposite Martin Schulz".