EU: New competition chief takes her stance

The European Commission’s new competition chief, whose appointment was announced earlier this month, has made her official entrance on the scene in speaking with reporters before her confirmation hearing, only days away.

Margrethe Vestager spoke with media to announce an aggressive and firm stance as new competition chief, telling reporters that neither “loud people” in government or major corporations, or “anti-Americanism,” will impact her decision-making abilities in the competition probes to come.

Vestager will succeed current European competition chief Joaquin Almunia, who recently announced that he has sought more concessions from Google in a years-long antitrust investigation that will now be handed down to Vestager.

While the new commissioner declined to comment on specific cases, she said that she will remain a fair judge of mergers and acquisitions and would not be bullied by corporations or individuals looking to sway her future decisions.

Vestager was Denmark’s economy minister until her nomination to the European Commission position. Her official confirmation to the post will take place on October 2, according to reports.

Full content: Reuters

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