Former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has expressed no interest in becoming President of the European Commission. This was stated by sources close to the former premier subsequent to the publication of an article in the newspaper La Repubblica detailing Emmanuel Macron's strategy for the post-European elections or for selecting the former premier to succeed Ursula von der Leyen as the leader of the EU Commission. The former Italian prime minister is the "champion" on whom Macron wants to gamble five years after endorsing the current president's candidacy. Macron nominated Ursula von der Leyen for the president of the European Commission less than five years ago, agreeing with then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel and releasing the Union from the bottleneck imposed by crossed vetoes. Four and a half years later, the French president - according to diplomatic sources in Brussels and Paris - wants to carve out the same role, spreading its web of relationships and diplomacy. With an unexpected name in the center: Mario Draghi. The former prime minister of Italy is the "champion" on whom Macron wishes to place a wager, according to La Repubblica. To succed von der Leyen. The relationship with him has always been privileged. The French president has indicated on multiple occasions and with various interlocutors why, following the upcoming European elections, it would be appropriate to turn to the former ECB president. In fact, the "Old Continent" will be forced to confront a new challenge. The implications of the Ukraine war, China's growing assertiveness, the American elections, which could reintroduce Donald Trump to the world stage and therefore re-isolate Europe, and a possible rise of sovereignist and nationalist sentiment. To address such critical difficulties for the Union's future, the Elysée suggests relying on those who have previously contributed to rescuing Europe with the renowned "Whatever it takes" slogan. Reasoning that Macron has already explained to the German Chancellor unofficially.
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