Europe´s top Job!

Europe offers a top job for highly skilled politicians. Have you got the motivation to run a Union of 28 countries? Have you got the passion to work seven days a week? How is your vision for our life in future? Do you speak English, French and German? Do you like travelling and leading international meetings and conferences? Then we do have the perfect position for you. Be the first direct elected President of the European Commission, be the replacement for José Manuel Barroso.

Martin Schulz and Jean-Claude Juncker, both of a very similar age, have worked together for several years. Both are passionate Europeans and both are fighting for a united Europe. And, the most important point for the elections in May - both are planning to become the next direct elected President of the European Commission.

Martin Schulz worked as a book seller in a small town in West-Germany. After finishing his law degree Jean-Claude Juncker started his political career and was Prime Minister of Luxembourg from 1995 to 2013. During this time he was also the leader of the Eurogroup. What do they think about each other? According to a common interview which was given to the German political magazine “Der Spiegel”, both are sufficiently qualified for the job. Juncker lives in Luxembourg and says in an interview: “I don't think in national categories. For me it is about concepts and substance. But still, I would still say that it would be better for Europe if the next Commission president were from Luxembourg. My country has always played the role of a mediator in the EU, especially between the Germans and the French. (...).”

Who is the best applicant for the vacant position? They are both very well chosen and selected. Juncker has, on one side, got plenty of experiences as chief ot the Eurogroup in leading a European Union. He knows the telephone numbers of every single head of government and head of state in Europe. His friends are Europe´s who is who. In other words: Juncker stands for Brussels establishment.

Schulz, on the other side, represents the public. He explains himself in the “Spiegel”-Interview:

“Brussels needs to stop interfering in every trifling detail. Whatever can be decided at the communal, regional or national level should be decided there. I am a man of parliament, a man of the people. Juncker is a representative of the executive.”

In conclusion it is impossible to choose one. Personally I suppose because of their skills, character and attitude their results as a tandem are the best for Europe. At the end of the day the position as a President of the European Commission is not as powerful as it sounds. To lead Europe means to find compromises, to mediate between 28 minds. Henry Kissinger asked one: “Who do I call if I want to call Europe?”. It is the job of the President of the European Commission to be the representative of Europe. Moreover, currently Europe is not well accepted in public opinion. The challenge for the winner of the election in May is to find a way how to show Europe´s attractive side and explain why do we need Europe.