By Martin Banks
LONDON
UK Prime Minister David Cameron has warned German Chancellor Angela Merkel that her controversial candidate to head the European Commission would be ‘deeply damaging’.
The warning comes in an article placed in leading European newspapers in which Cameron makes public for the first time his opposition to arch-federalist Jean-Claude Juncker.
Juncker is still favorite to succeed Jose Manuel Barroso to become president of the Commission, the EU's legislative branch. Other names mentioned include Pascal Lamy, a former EU commissioner, and Denmark’s prime minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt.
Merkel has openly backed Juncker, who is the candidate of the European People's Party, the centre right group in the European Parliament.
Cameron, however, says Juncker, an EU veteran and former long-term PM of Luxembourg, has no legitimacy and warns that his selection would be a slap in the face for millions who voted for Eurosceptic parties in last month’s European elections.
In the open letter he describes Juncker’s claim to have a democratic mandate as "nonsense", saying: "Nowhere was Mr Juncker on the ballot paper. He maintains that even in Germany, only 15 per cent of voters even knew he was a candidate."
He continues, "We must focus on finding the best candidate for the Commission President. Someone who can deliver reform; drive growth and create jobs; and accept that Europe's needs may best be served by action at national level. An honest and trusted broker who is able to re-engage Europe's voters."
"Britain has a reputation for standing up for democracy and for fighting for our national interest. But this is about fighting for the European interest. And the three major UK political parties are united on this issue.
He declares that it is the time for Europe's national leaders to have the courage of their convictions by standing up for their place in the EU and what is right for Europe’s future. "Now is the time to propose a candidate who will convince Europe's voters we are acting upon their concerns," he added.
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