Saturday 18 June 2016

On the way out? Juncker and his, ahem, 'health issues'




Christine Lagarde and the IMF have decided to ignore the truce on campaigning until next week. No one can be surprised. Their latest warning is in the link below, if you can rouse any interest. 


I doubt the threats will have much effect. At this point, people have already been scared into wanting to stay, or determined to want to leave.

I will say nothing of the effects of the killing of Jo Cox on any of it.

Instead I will tell you about a piece on Jean-Claude Junker, president of the European Commission, which was published in Politico.eu on Thursday. For obvious reasons it was swept aside in the news coverage of the day. 

http://www.politico.eu/article/the-time-of-jean-claude-juncker-troubles-european-commission-president-investment-plan-travel-meetings-scheduled/

You might first want to see the 2015 video, link below, of Juncker at the European Council meeting in Latvia, giving the appearance of someone who had had too much to drink. 


The clip shows him backslapping – or ‘bitch-slapping’ as the internet has it -- and hugging various embarrassed politicians, then hugging the Hungarian prime minister and calling him ‘Dictator.’




None of this was any surprise to those of us who enjoyed the late night press conferences Juncker gave during the euro crisis. He was head of the eurogroup. And while other eurocrats such as then-Commissioner Olli Rehn gave answers as calculated as a Japanese robot, the apparently well-oiled Juncker often said far more than any communications officer would have advised. 


Which is why this tearing down of Juncker’s reputation in what is quickly turning into the EU house paper (the Brussels chief of Politico is an ex-spokesman at the Commission) is significant.

Maybe the sober, calculating lot at the top of the European Project have had enough of it, enough of the brandy-soaked joker stuff – sorry, the ‘personal health issues’ -- and also enough of the crisis pile-ups outside the EU institutions.

Certainly the Politico headline would fit that plotline: ‘The time of Juncker’s troubles: Political missteps, personal health issues, doubts about effectiveness and rising Euroscepticism impair Commission chief’s self-declared mission to save the EU.’

Politco lists the areas in which Juncker is ‘grasping for answers.’

‘On a range of fronts, from border fences to Brexit to the economy, Juncker’s Commission has struggled to plough a path out of the malaise. Economic priorities — from Juncker’s much-touted €315 billion investment plan to a transatlantic free-trade pact — have yet to show significant impact or have been derailed.’

‘Interviews with more than 40 EU politicians, diplomats and officials from countries across the EU — critics, supporters, and members of Juncker’s inner circle — as well as an analysis of his travel and meeting schedules, reveal a Commission president who is increasingly on the sidelines.’

‘…The decline in Juncker’s standing over the past 19 months has been so precipitous that the debate in some national capitals has shifted from what to do about it to whether it really even matters.’

‘“The truth is we don’t see him,” a senior diplomat from a large EU country said. “People don’t complain here because he is not indispensable to the everyday functioning of the EU. We sometimes don’t notice his absence.”’

‘…To be fair, the odds were stacked against the longtime Luxembourg premier from the outset. He took over the Commission at a time when Europe was still reeling from the trauma of the debt crisis. The debate over German-inspired austerity for wayward economies had deepened a north-south divide on the Continent.’

‘Yet it was Juncker himself who promised to upend the way things were done, to reinvigorate Europe. The man who earned the nickname “Mr. Euro” for helping to steer the eurozone through the shoals of the debt crisis vowed to use his magic touch on the EU. “I’m allergic to the division in north and south, small and big, weak and strong,” he said at the time.’

‘What’s missing from the Juncker Commission, critics say, is an overarching strategy. Political calculation and short-term tactics, whether the issue is France’s deficit or refugees, drive the agenda. Rather than fixing a north-south divide, his migration policies have deepened an east-west one.’

All in all, Juncker looks like a dead man walking.

Which, if the UK fails to escape the EU, is at least some consolation. What Britain does not need is an effective, active head of the EU executive.

On the other hand, Berlin has not failed to grab the chance to fill the executive power vacuum.


93 comments:

  1. It is good to read an article from such a well informed journalist. Her comments will be very valuable in the months ahead.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks, k kearney, for you kind comment.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Who would be your best bet for most likely Successor?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Douglas Carter, it depends on what happens on Thursday.

    ReplyDelete
  6. PS Douglas Carter, whoever is President of the Commission in a year's time, his top eurocrat-in-charge is bound to be German.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Get the best Treatment for the liposuction surgery in Delhi with reasonable Cost. We have the best liposuction surgeon within your budget. Get More Detail. 8750242000.
    More@ http://www.gocosmeticsurgery.com/liposuction.html

    ReplyDelete
  8. Finding tummy tuck surgery, tummy tuck surgery in Delhi with reasonable price and 100% Satisfaction Service. Compare all Clinics in Delhi, India- Price, Reviews, address, Maps and Photos. Contact us-8750242000.
    More@ http://www.gocosmeticsurgery.com/tummy-tuck.html

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hair transplants in Delhi. Book Doctor's Appointment Online, View Fees, User feedbacks, Address & Phone Numbers of Hair Transplant Surgeons in Delhi | Me Clinic
    More@ http://www.meclinicindia.com/hair-transplant.html

    ReplyDelete
  10. Natural Hair Transplant one of the top Hair Transplant Clinic in Delhi for affordable cost for hair transplant surgery, provides best results for Hair Transplant in Delhi.Call us-8750242000.
    More @ http://www.naturalhairhairtransplant.in/

    ReplyDelete
  11. Looking for a best Laser Treatments For Skin Rejuvenation in Delhi,India. Visit Me Clinic and get cost effective laser skin resurfacing treatments.Call us: +8447622467
    More@ http://www.meclinicindia.com/skin-rejuvenation.html

    ReplyDelete
  12. Body Contouring Treatment in Delhi Plastic Surgery Clinic offers body contouring and liposuction procedures in Delhi for body fat and loose skin treatment.Call us-8750242000.
    More@ http://www.plasticsurgery.com.ng/body-contouring.html

    ReplyDelete
  13. Natural Hair Transplant one of the top Hair Transplant Clinic in Delhi for affordable cost for hair transplant surgery, provides best results for Hair Transplant Surgery By most experienced Surgeon.Call us-8750242000.
    More@ http://www.naturalhairhairtransplant.in/

    ReplyDelete
  14. Me Clinic provide Non Surgical Treatments in Delhi Like Acne and Pimple Scars, pigmentation Sunspots Freckles, wrinkles, tattoo removal, Chemical peel treatment in Delhi, India.Call us-8447622467.
    More@ http://www.meclinicindia.com/

    ReplyDelete
  15. Nose Surgery in Delhi, a most common surgery. Enhance your facial look by getting a suitable nose surgery with a best Rhinoplasty surgeon in India.Call us-8750242000.
    More@ http://www.cosmeticsurgeryindia.org/cosmetic-plastic-surgery/nose-surgery.html

    ReplyDelete
  16. Looking for rhinoplasty or nose surgery in Delhi. Book your appointment with best rhinoplasty surgeon to opt nose reshaping in Delhi India.Call us-8750242000.
    More@ http://www.nosesurgerydelhi.com/

    ReplyDelete
  17. Plastic Surgery Clinic is the one of the best clinic and hospital in Delhi for weight loss surgery including Gastric Banding Bariatric surgery, Mini Gastric Bypass and Gastric Surgery.Call us-8750242000.
    More @ http://www.plasticsurgery.com.ng/weight-loss.html

    ReplyDelete
  18. Secure Medtrip offers Best Eye Surgery in India by Best Eye Surgeon in India, Best Lasik Eye Surgeon India, Best Laser Eye Surgeon India, Top Eye Doctor India With Reasonable Cost.Call us-8750242000.

    More@ http://www.securemedtrip.com/eye-surgery/

    ReplyDelete
  19. Get the best Treatment for Cosmetic Surgery for Men Face in Delhi,India within Reasonable Cost.Me Clinic is one of the leading Clinic in Delhi for Cosmetic Surgery for Men Face.Check and Compare- Price,Reviews,Patients Testimonial. Call us-8447622467
    More@ http://www.meclinicindia.com/

    ReplyDelete
  20. Find the best Plastic Surgeon for Tummy Tuck Surgery in Delhi With Lowest Cost.Get a Perfect Tummy By Tummy Tuck Surgery in Delhi.Check and Compare- Price,Reviews,Free Consultation,Patients Testimonial,Address, Maps and Photos.Call us-8750242000.
    More@ http://www.surgerycosmeticplastics.com/our-services/tummy-tuck-abdominoplasty/

    ReplyDelete
  21. Nose Reshaping in Delhi, a most common surgery. Enhance your facial look by getting a suitable nose surgery with a best Rhinoplasty surgeon in Delhi,India.Check and Compare-Price,Reviews,Patients Testimonial, Free Consultation,Address and Photos.Call us-8750242000.
    More@http://www.nosesurgerydelhi.com/

    ReplyDelete

  22. Finding neck lift surgery in delhi and neck lift plastic surgery delhi specialists? Contact Cosmetic Surgery India Clinic as best neck lift surgeon in Delhi,India.Check and Compare- Price,Reviews,Free Consultation, Patients Testimonial, Address and Photos.Call us-8750242000.
    More@ http://www.cosmeticsurgeryindia.org/cosmetic-plastic-surgery/neck-lift.html

    ReplyDelete
  23. Find the best Clinic for Laser Treatment for Skin Cancer with reasonable Cost.Check and Compare- Price, Patients Testimonials, Reviews,Address, Maps and Photos.Call us-8447622467.
    More@ http://www.meclinicindia.com/

    ReplyDelete
  24. Looking for the best Clinic in Delhi for Laser Treatment for skin Pigmentation by Specialist Surgeon.Chk and Compare- Price,Patients Testimonial,Reviews,Address,Maps and Photos.Call us-8447622467.
    More @ http://www.meclinicindia.com/pigmentation-removal.html

    ReplyDelete
  25. We offer reasonable and best mommy makeovers surgery, plastic surgery for mommy makeover after child birth which helps women transform their bodies after baby.Check and Compare- Price, Patients Testimonial, Free Consultation Fees,Reviews,Address, Maps and Photos.Call us-8750242000.
    More@ http://www.plasticsurgery.com.ng/mommy-makeover.html

    ReplyDelete
  26. Looking for cosmetic surgery in this winter season? Book your consultation with Dr. Ajaya Kashyap (M.D, FACS) Plastic surgeon or call +91 9958 22 1983 to schedule an appointment. http://www.drkashyap.com/

    ReplyDelete
  27. Right treatment at right time with right dermatologist botox treatment KAS Medical Center.Book your appointment call us - +91 9958221983 / 81

    ReplyDelete
  28. Do you need best hair loss treatment in Delhi? KAS Medical Center is the perfect choice, We offer you the best hair transplant surgery at affordable cost. Book your consultation now!
    View: http://www.besthairtransplantdelhiindia.com/

    ReplyDelete
  29. Do you need best gynecomastia surgery in Delhi? KAS Medical Center is the perfect choice, We offer you the male breast reduction surgery at affordable cost. Book your consultation now!
    View: http://www.bestgynecomastiaindia.com/

    ReplyDelete
  30. I want from you about hair transplant cost ? please let me know some ideas :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. I want from you about hair transplant cost ? please let me know some ideas :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. Nice Blog, Thank you for sharing such a important information about Chemical Peels Treatment

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hey,
    Thank you for sharing such an amazing and informative post. www.bestliposuctionindia.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Very informative blog, thanks for such information...

    Hair transplant cost in Delhi, India depends on the types of hair restoration surgery. Our specialized doctors provide the best result in hair transplant treatment. Visit us to get the best hair transplant in India at affordable cost.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi really liked your blog. If you are looking for Hair Transplant Surgeon Delhi, then Drpreetipandya.com is the best place for you.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi really liked your blog. If you are looking for Rhinoplasty Surgery Delhi, then Drpreetipandya.com is the best place for you.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Nice information shared, I have read this post and I like it very much. Thanks for sharing such a useful and valuable information. Rhinoplasty Surgery Cost In Delhi Visit us : Rhinoplasty Surgery Cost In Delhi

    ReplyDelete
  38. Embarrassed about your gynecomastia? Get in touch with us and let's provide you with the best gynecomastia surgery in Delhi. Feel free to contact us at http://www.themedspa.us/contact.html

    ReplyDelete
  39. Get the best for hair transplant surgery in South Delhi at MedSpa Clinic.. Follow link www.besthairtransplantsurgeon.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Get the best liposuction surgery in South Delhi at MedSpa Clinic.. Follow link www.bestliposuctionindia.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thanks for this nice post regarding, Looking for Rhinoplasty (nose job) doctors? Dr. Ajaya Kashyap of KAS medical Center is the most experience rhinoplasty consultant and surgeon in the India. He can give you a nose job performed to the highest standard. Call 09958221983 for enquiry and book your consultation today!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Nice blog, if you are interested in learning more about rhinoplasty surgery, contact Best Nose Reshaping Surgery clinic in Delhi. For more details visit: http://www.bestrhinoplastyindia.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Are you fed up from belly fat? Then get Tummy tuck Surgery for flat and tighten stomach. Visit Profile Cosmetic Surgery Centre in India and get the best and scar-free surgery from our experienced surgeons.
    Tummy Tuck Surgery in India

    ReplyDelete
  44. Nice blog and thanks for sharing this useful article. Get tummy tuck surgery in India at reasonable cost under the supervision of well-experienced surgeons. Click on this link and get detailed information about tummy tuck surgery.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Nice Blog. Thanks for sharing good information......
    If you are looking for the low cost gynecomastia surgery in India, in order to maintain your chest shape then you can go with KAS Medical Center. We offer the surgery without any complications. Visit our site: www.bestgynecomastiaindia.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. If you are planning to go for gynecomastia surgery in India, find the best cosmetic surgeon Delhi. This will go a long way in you getting the best results and minimise scars.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Concerned about Gynecomastia? Male Breast Reduction may be right for you. Learn more about gynecomastia

    ReplyDelete
  48. Good knowledge about the blog. Thanks for sharing this .Keep it.
    Smile Makeover in Delhi

    ReplyDelete
  49. Good Information. Very well written. To consult the best cosmetic plastic surgeon in Delhi, India, visit Dr. Ajaya Kashyap.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much. Know about Gynecomastia Male Breast Reduction in India

    View Gynecomastia Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN3M0WERczg

    ReplyDelete
  51. I have searched various article to find Hair Transplant Clinics in Delhi, but seriously your information is great. Love to read this article.

    ReplyDelete
  52. here is what I think is useful for delhi people looking for hair transplant best hair transplant doctor in delhi but this is also not bad.

    ReplyDelete
  53. These are some more good hair transplant clinics in Delhi, I think after reading this blog you should check this out.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Thank You For Providing Me Use-ful
    I am waiting for your next Blog
    If Anybody Searching Botox Doctor in India Then You Can Visit Dr Dr. Sanjeev Nelogi Academy, He is One Of The Best Botox Doctor for more Information About Doctor you Can Visit our Website or you can call our helpline no. :- +91 9892100803

    ReplyDelete
  55. These are some amazing hair transplant clinics in Delhi, you should definitely go and them out.

    ReplyDelete
  56. thank you for sharing this information with us, and here is the best hair transplant doctor in delhi.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Awesome blog! Thank you to sharing very important information to us. You can also visit my website. Best Liposuction Surgeon in Delhi

    ReplyDelete
  58. Nice information! Hair loss has become very common nowadays due to several factors such as genetic problems, anxiety and hormonal imbalance etc. But now you can get hair transplant surgery from Medispa clinic offering best treatment with 100% successful results. Best Hair Transplant in Delhi

    ReplyDelete
  59. Thanks for sharing this article.Its really helpful also visit my blog
    Is Liposuction Better Than Gastric Band in Dubai

    ReplyDelete
  60. Thanks for sharing wonderful information about the blog.The Best Cosmetic Surgeon in Islamabad

    ReplyDelete
  61. Thanks for sharing wonderful information about this blog.Gynecomastia Surgery in Islamabad

    ReplyDelete
  62. Blog Posting Opportunity with 2 premium Blogs | DA 60+

    * Google Friendly Multi-niche Platform.
    * Do-Follow links are Life Long.
    * Instant Publishing Services.

    https://jharaphula.neocities.org

    ReplyDelete
  63. Thanks for sharing useful information also check my blog Gynecomastia Surgery in Islamabad

    ReplyDelete
  64. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Thankyou for sharing this amazing information Visit our blog for more information
    Gynecomastia Surgery in Islamabad

    ReplyDelete
  66. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  67. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  68. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  69. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  70. Thanks for sharing wonderful information about the blog. As liposuction surgery has many benefits like fat loosening, reduction in bleeding, less pain, etc., many procedures have been done before the surgery. Of course, proper doctor consultation is required, and the surgery needs to be done by an experienced expert. For the surgery at first whole-body figure correction is required as fat is suctioned from the selected areas, not from any part of the body. The site of liposuction is determined and then incision areas are planned. Quicker recovery is done if the small incision is done. But yes, it sometimes depends on your medical history and blood thinning problems. As there is nothing to worry about, the patient is discharged on the same day as the surgery. You can check the details of Best liposuction surgery in Delhi .

    ReplyDelete
  71. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  72. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Thank you for sharing such wonderful blog. The most common purpose to undergo cosmetic surgery is to improvise the overall image. Boost self-confidence is one of the key reasons why you consider cosmetic surgery. People want to have a strong image in a social circle, be more effective in the work and be comfortable with their personality. You should go for cosmetic surgery to enhance your look. You can have cosmetic surgery on any required part of the body. You can opt for cosmetic surgery to modify your look and gift yourself a better contoured glowing face. Dr Vivek Kumar is the best cosmetic surgeon in Delhi . He is a senior consultant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. He is a certified cosmetic surgeon who is providing plastic surgery with the most advanced technology.

    ReplyDelete
  74. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Your blog is wonderful, I like reading your articles. Stay up with the great work! You realize, lots of persons are looking around this info, you could aid them greatly work.

    Best Dental Clinic in Faridabad
    Best Face Surgeon in Faridabad
    Smile Design Faridabad
    Cosmetic Makeover Faridabad

    ReplyDelete
  76. The blog seems to share interesting tips Body Shaping Treatments NY, I like this information as I was looking for cost effective body contouring surgery. Maybe I will share with facebook group friends about this blog.

    ReplyDelete
  77. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete