The centre-right politician set to be the next president of the European Commission has said he wants a socialist to run the eurozone’s economic affairs.
Jean Claude Juncker answered questions from MEPs earlier on what changes he would make to the EU’s current policy of austerity.
“I think we have to reflect on the question of how to bring more democratic legitimacy to the troika,” he told reporters after a hearing with left-leaning parliamentarians.
During the meeting, Juncker said he wants someone from their Socialists and Democrats group to be his economic czar.
The new leader of the centre-left group also welcomed the ex-Luxembourg premier’s vow to fight social dumping.
“The designation of a socialist commissioner to the economic affairs is good news, but there is also a need of to ensure that EU spending rules are more flexible,” said Gianni Pitella.
Britain’s Conservative Party led by Prime Minister David Cameron had opposed Juncker’s bid for the job.
Cameron’s man in the European Parliament says now the Tories are willing to work with him.
“If Mr Juncker is confirmed, we will work with him where he pursues an agenda for reforms,” said Syed Kamall, a British Conservative MEP.
“Where there are areas such as single market, digital single market, flexible employment laws, open trade, we will work whoever the commission president is.”
Juncker is holding talks with all political groups before facing a parliamentary vote on July 15th.
