Brussels, 21/08/2014 (Agence Europe) - The French president, François Hollande, has confirmed his country's wish to obtain a portfolio for the economy in the next European Commission, which begins at the beginning of November.
In an exclusive interview with Le Monde newspaper published on Thursday 21 August, Hollande stated “at a Commission level, France has requested an important post and this request will be heard. What we are interested in is our Commissioner having a remit in the economic domain”.
France has appointed its previous minister for finance, Pierre Moscovici, as the country's next Commissioner. It will be eyeing up the portfolio for economic and monetary affairs but given the country's poor performance in this field (see other article), this possibility is being opposed by northern European countries that advocate a strict line on budgetary supervision. A post relating to the enhancement of policies that strengthen public and private investment, a post sought by the social democratic camp for a long time, could help bring the different positions closer together. The French president has also backed the goal of the forthcoming president of the Commission, former Luxembourg Prime Minister, Jean-Claude Juncker, to launch an investment plan worth €300 billion.
On Saturday 30 August, the European Council will meet up to decide on the nomination of the next EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and perhaps the successor to Herman Van Rompuy at the presidency of the European Council (see EUROPE 11123). Earlier in the day, Hollande will be bringing European socialist leaders together in Paris in an attempt to bring closer together the positions which they will be advocating after the special summit.
Loss of French influence. Hollande has not denied that French influence has declined in Europe . He admitted that “when the National Front obtains 25% of the vote, a party that will not be sitting with the others, we are weaker at the European Parliament” (our translation throughout). (MB)