Juncker seeking support from S&D: “Next Economic Affairs Commissioner will be a Socialist”

A Socialist Commissioner for Economic Affairs, able to manage the battle on flexibility margins contained into the Stability Pact. This is the promise made by Jean-Claude Juncker, EPP candidate as European Commission next President, trying to obtain the support of the S&D group during the voting session in which, during the next Plenary Session, the Parliament will decide whether to support the candidate appointed by the European Council or not.

During the hearing with the Socialist MEPs at the European Parliament, Juncker tried to compose the rift created by the EPP head of group, Manfred Weber: in Strasbourg, in front of Matteo Renzi, he insisted on the necessity of respecting rules in order not to weaken the Stability Pact. “The Pact shouldn’t be amended but applied with sensitivity,” said Juncker, admitting that “we need flexibility to prevent the European train from derailing.”

“The appointment and designation of a Socialist Commissioner for Economy is a very good sign,” commented Gianni Pittella shortly after. The head of the S&D group postponed the approval for Juncker though: “We need the commitment in guaranteeing the best use of the flexibility already contained in the Stability Pact,” added Pittella, “and I see a positive approach in Jucnker.”