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Germany: Weber aims to lead European Commission

By  |  September 5, 2018

Manfred Weber, the leader of the European People’s Party (EPP) in the European Parliament, formally announced on Wednesday, September 5, that he is standing to be the center-right group’s lead candidate in next year’s European election, reported the Financial Times.

The 46-year old Bavarian, who chairs the powerful EPP in the European Parliament, has no executive experience in national government, but has emerged as an early frontrunner to lead his group into the European Parliament’s election next year. As he announced his candidacy, Mr Weber said the “survival” of Europe’s way of life was at stake. “Europe needs a new beginning and more democracy,” he said.

The EPP, the largest bloc in parliament, unites center-right parties including Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union. Insiders say Mr Weber has won tacit endorsement from the German chancellor, putting him in a strong position when the group makes its choice of Spitzenkandidat, or lead candidate, in November.

Full Content: Financial Times

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