29/05/2019 11:31
EU Commission: France and Germany differ on Brussels' top job
France and Germany have disagreed on who should take one of the EU's key roles as leaders from the bloc met following parliamentary elections.
The vote saw the big centrist blocs lose their majorities with Greens and nationalists gaining ground.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel wants centre-right candidate Manfred Weber as the next EU Commission president.
But French President Emmanuel Macron did not even mention Mr Weber as a contender for the influential position.
Their comments came at a meeting on Tuesday in Brussels, which was a chance for EU leaders to discuss the new political landscape and who might take over the top jobs.
The elections left the EU more fragmented with the chances of reaching consensus more difficult.
The President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, said Brexit was a factor behind a majority of voters favouring pro-EU parties.
"As Europeans see what Brexit means in practice, they also draw conclusions. Brexit has been a vaccine against anti-EU propaganda and fake news."
UK Prime Minister Theresa May took part in talks but Mr Tusk said Brexit was not discussed.