Backing for Juncker ‘declaration of war on EU leaders'

Chancellor Angela Merkel has reportedly called European Parliament efforts to force through Jean-Claude Juncker as next European Commission president a “declaration of war” against EU governments.

A week after elections which EU leaders said would boost European democracy and transparency, the bloc is wracked by disunity and a high-stakes campaign lead by Britain’s David Cameron to block the ambitions of Mr Juncker, the lead candidate for the conservative European People’s Party (EPP) that won the election.

The Lisbon Treaty says that EU leaders should “take note” of European parliamentary elections in filling top EU jobs. The parliament believes it is on an equal footing with the European Council, where leaders meet. Last Tuesday, Mr Cameron urged fellow council members not to “wave through” the parliament’s proposal, reportedly warning that Mr Juncker’s appointment would destabilise his government and Britain’s future in the EU.

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/backing-for-juncker-declaration-of-war-on-eu-leaders-1.1817017