Top Jobs in EU

How could MEPs have a choice in electing the new EU President Ursula von der Leyen when there was only one name on the ballot paper?

Totally, totally, totally agree with you GrannyGravy, especially the comment you made about what the remainers would be saying if BJ had committed any of these offences. There will be double standards a plenty both on Gransnet and everywhere else in British society. Watch this space!

The point is the the ' Spitzenkandidaten' system is still technically in place although the leading Spitzenkandidat Manfred Weber was overlooked this time, hence the President of the European Commission is now German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen, from Germanys Christian Democratic Union.

It may have been a break from ' tradition' but like the other 4 top E U jobs it is the European Council that has decided who they were given to. It is now upto the European Parliament to ' endorse ' the majority of those named. I am sure they will but there some of the 28 countries in the EU who are a tad tired of the same old Franco/German /Northern European countries getting the top jobs.

Christine La Garde was accused and convicted of criminal negligence in 2016, but no penalty was imposed.
Agree with you GrannyGravy.

If three at the head of the Brexit Party had these convictions and allegations hanging over them I think there would be outrage and condemnation from every remain voter on Gransnett.

Josef Borrel Fontelles - is elected as High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security - previously convicted on financial charges!!

Ursula von der Leyen President of the EU Commission- currently being investigated by the Bundestag for misconduct.

Christine Lagarde - President of the European Central Bank - convicted of financial matters!

Charles Michel - President of the European Council!

Three of these make Boris Johnson look like Snow White!!!

I don't think it's all over bar the shouting yet..

From a quick search re election of Commission president:

Historically, the Council appointed the Commission President and the whole body by unanimity without input from Parliament. However, with the Treaty on European Union in 1993, the European Parliament, the body elected directly by the citizens of the European Union, gained the right to be 'consulted' on the appointment of the President and to veto the Commission as a whole.

Note the final sentence... From what I've seen on twitter MEPs are very much involved

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_the_European_Commission

Apologies to Christine Lagarde she was charged and convicted of embezzlement not fraud?

She has not made a brilliant job of Defence Minister in Germany. If I find out more I shall post here.

Whitewave, They have been put forward, just one per post after being chosen by the inner circle of outgoing Heads of the EU. The MEPs do not have a choice!

Love Leyens hair?.

Yes they are appointed by our elected representatives.