According to a report in the Financial Times, by vetoing the merger between Alstom and Siemens last week, Ms Vestager demonstrated some of the raw power of the European Commission, and reminded some in Paris and Berlin why they may prefer a more pliable president to replace Jean-Claude Juncker.
“It’s a pity,” said one senior diplomat who will be closely involved in the haggling to pick presidents for all the EU’s main institutions this year. Other candidates for Commission President can hardly hide their glee. “No jobs for her,” said one.
The EU competition enforcer remains on a shortlist of politicians linked with the job after emerging as the standout star of this Commission, with qualities particularly appreciated by Emmanuel Macron: she befriended the French president at a time when his ambitions were written off by many and his support this time would be essential to her prospects.
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