Macron is reportedly discussing the candidacy of Mario Draghi.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who five years ago personally contributed to the election of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission (EC), is currently negotiating with EU leaders to find another candidate. This is reported by Bloomberg citing informed sources.
The European Parliament elections are less than two months away, and Macron is discussing with EU prime ministers, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni, the possibility of electing former European Central Bank (ECB) President Draghi to a key EU post.
As Bloomberg notes, Ursula von der Leyen is currently battling dissatisfaction among some EU member states with the way the EC has behaved over the past five years, especially in trade negotiations, climate change and relations with the United States. Emmanuel Macron has openly criticized its performance. Last month, the French president said the Commission presidency is about protecting the common good and should not be overly politicized.
Sources in Brussels, including von der Leyen's office, are not sure whether President Macron is really looking for a replacement for the top post or whether he is thus pressuring the EC chair to make concessions to her in the future. A spokesman for Macron's presidency declined to be interviewed by Bloomberg.
Von der Leyen is the main candidate of the center-right European People's Party, which is expected to win a majority in elections in June. It is unlikely that Germany will agree to remove its own politicians from key EU posts.