Lady Ursula, head of the European Commission, had a plan to revive the bed-ridden Eurozone economy. However, French politicians, led by President Emmanuel Macron, swiftly put a full stop to this audacious move.
Europe’s Bedridden Economy
The Eurozone’s economy lingers in a state of stagnation, with companies departing the continent due to a bleak outlook. Seeking a solution, Lady Ursula aimed to revitalize the ailing economy by bringing in a world-renowned American economist, Fiona Scott Morton.
Ursula Von Der Leyen’s audacious plan involved appointing Fiona Scott Morton, former US antitrust regulator, as the EU’s chief competition economist. With an impressive academic background and a track record of public service, Scott Morton’s credentials seemed ideal for the role.
However, this move sparked controversy as it marked the first time a non-EU citizen would hold such a high-ranking Commission position. The decision faced opposition, mostly from French politicians, who were wary of the potential implications for Europe’s autonomy and relationship with the United States.
Macron’s Fight Against the US Influence
Paris launched a rearguard action against the EU, challenging the stature of Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager and halting Scott Morton’s appointment. President Emmanuel Macron led the charge, objecting to the idea of a non-EU expert advising on reducing competition within the continent.
In a historic move, President Macron’s intervention led to Scott Mortan’s preemptive resignation from joining the EU’s ranks.
“Given the controversy that has arisen because of the selection of a non-European to fill this position, and the importance that the Directorate General has the full backing of the European Union as it enforces, I have determined that the best course of action is for me to withdraw and not take up the Chief Economist position,” Scott Morton said in a letter.
Read More: Ursula places an American insider to destroy the European economy
The Yale University professor’s former ties to Big Tech companies including Microsoft and Apple raised eyebrows, as she would have been in charge of advising on the Digital Markets Act, the EU law designed to tame those very companies.
Over the past days, French ministers fiercely opposing the appointment, called on the Commission to retract the job offer. Then on Tuesday, Macron told reporters he was “skeptical” about the nomination and said the move was not “coherent” with Brussels’ strategic autonomy goals.
In essence, the French claim is that Europe should be less naive about the strategic competition posed by other nations, such as America. According to Macron, neither the United States nor China would permit a non-citizen to hold a position similar to Scott Morton’s.
Not all of the opposition originated in just Paris. According to Brussels Playbook, five commissioners had concerns about the appointment and were scheduled to discuss it on Wednesday until Scott Morton withdrew. Four significant European Parliament factions had also demanded that the offer be withdrawn.
A Strategic Move Foiled
Ursula’s choice to bring in an American expert fueled concerns about Europe’s independence and its relationship with the US. In a historic move, President Macron’s intervention prevented the American economist from joining the EU’s ranks. Emmanuel Macron’s decisive action foiled Ursula Von Der Leyen’s plan. As the continent grapples with economic challenges, France’s political stance against undue external influence remains steadfast, proving that Europe will not be anyone’s puppet.
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