EGN NEWS DESK
That’s in comparison with simply 5 girls (together with von der Leyen herself) — or six for those who embrace Spain’s anticipated decide Teresa Ribera, who’s but to be formally nominated.
Two strikes Thursday tipped the scales additional, as Romania confirmed it might nominate Victor Negrescu, then Luxembourg put ahead Christophe Hansen for the plum function. If Denmark and Italy observe go well with by naming males, as they’re extensively anticipated to do, it might change into seemingly that two-thirds of the EU’s 27 commissioners can be male.
Leaders of EU nations have dismissed von der Leyen’s request for a alternative, as a substitute defiantly presenting her with a fait accompli and leaving the Commission chief virtually powerless.
The likes of Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris have reminded von der Leyen that they’re solely obliged below the EU’s treaties to suggest a single identify to Brussels.
The solely actual lever von der Leyen has to tug in response is the portfolio she assigns them. But there are too many males for all of them to get weak portfolios.
The gender steadiness might nonetheless change, nonetheless. The complete 27-person College of Commissioners should be permitted in a single vote by the European Parliament, in spite of everything commissioners besides von der Leyen bear a grilling by MEPs this fall, elevating the prospect that some male candidates might be rejected.
