PM Tsipras confirms support for Frans Timmermans for Commission president
File Photo: Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras arrives at a special EU summit in Brussels, Belgium. EPA, STEPHANIE
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
BRUSSELS (ANA/N. Lionakis, N. Roubos) – Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said he will support for European Commissioner president “the candidate who comes first in votes among progressive candidates. I will support Frans Timmermans,” referring to the European Socialist Party’s candidate.
- In statements before joining the informal EU Summit dinner, Tsipras reiterated that Timmermans would be a progressive and nationally beneficial choice, while the European People’s Party candidate Manfred Weber “cannot unite the EU, he will only divide it, and he is identified with extremely conservative and neoliberal choices.” Weber, he said, would threaten Greece’s interests and the interests of EU southern countries.
- According to diplomatic sources, the Greek premier said in his intervention at the meeting that the candidates’ programme should be taken into account, especially if they promote an end to austerity, a social Europe and dealing with climate change.
Following the PES meeting, Tsipras is attending an informal dinner of the European Commission focused on reviewing the results of Euroelections and assessing candidates for senior EU positions. The dinner will be held by European Council President Donald Tusk, who will hold a joint press conference with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker following it.
Source: ANA-MPA
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