Greek PM has no interest in top Brussels job
A spokesperson for Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis denied on Thursday that Mitsotakis was seeking Ursula von der Leyen’s post as president of the European Commission.
“Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis has repeatedly ruled out being interested in any of the top jobs in Brussels. And he has spoken loud and clear. He is 100% supporting Ursula von der Leyen for president of the Commission, as he has done from the very beginning. He will continue as a negotiator on behalf of the EPP,” Aristotelia Peloni said in a statement to Politico Europe.
According to diplomatic sources cited by Politico, European Council President Charles Michel is floating the idea to EU leaders that Mitsotakis should take von der Leyen’s job as the head of the European Commission. The diplomats and officials called it yet another desperate attempt to bring down von der Leyen.
Von der Leyen is seen as highly likely to be re-elected president of the European Commission by the European Council in late June.
A Michel spokesperson refuted the report, calling it “fake news.”
“Once again, these are fake news and lies. The president has consulted with all leaders individually on [the] top jobs process. No specific names have been mentioned by the president at this stage,” said Ecaterina Casinge, spokesperson for Michel.
