Could one of these four become the next president of the European Commission?

Current Commission President Ursula von der Leyn could face serious oponents to her nomination at the head of the EU's executive. Here are a few.

On the road to the 2024 European elections, four key figures (so far) have come out of the wood and declared, subtly or not, their intention to take over—or stay at—the EU’s top job.

Ursula von der Leyen, the logical candidate

Let’s start with an obvious possibility. Ursula von der Leyen, the current holder of the position could take over for another five years.

The German has a lot to show. Under her leadership, the Commission stepped up its fight against rule of law, played a crucial role in the fight against the Coronavirus, and oversaw a radical transformation in Europe, among them the EU’s financing of the post-COVID recovery plan.

Yet, she might face a revengeful Manfred Weber and two other hopeful candidates in the runup to 2024.

Let’s explore their profiles.

Thierry Breton, the ambitious Frenchman

Of course, there must be a Frenchperson in the race.

Commissioner Thiery Breton is perhaps one of the most serious contestants to Ursula von der Leyen. The Commissioner for the Internal Market could act as a middleman between France’s Macron and the conservatives of the European People’s Party, likely to remain the most prominent political force in 2024.

Yet, will Thierry Breton go so far as to betray his boss before the elections? Does he have the political capital to become the next lead candidate for the EPP?

Roberta Metsola, the captain caught in a storm

Third is Roberta Metsola. The President of the European Parliament would like to step into the other institution once her term ends.

The Maltese enjoyed—so far— an untarnished journey at the European level. But the Quatargate scandal happened, and now she must deliver on transparency issues and update the Parliament’s ethics rules.

Her chances to become the next Commission’s President are tied to the follow-up of the corruption scandal that shook her institution in December 2022. Her efforts in the following months will make or break her future as the boss of the EU’s executive.

Manfred Weber, the revenant

You probably remember the sad story of Manfred Weber, the unfortunate lead candidate of the European conservatives who was put aside of the Commission’s top job in favor of his fellow German Ursula von der Leyen.

Well, the recently-appointed EPP party leader will get his revenge. Or at least that’s what he’s planning for.

One must recognise the sheer resilience of the Bavarian. Manfred Weber is like world-famous cinema heroes, such as Beatrix Kiddo in Tarantino’s Kill Bill, or Leonardo DiCaprio’s Revenant, in the eponym picture: he will stop only when he gets his revenge.

Curiously enough, only conservative leaders have been voicing their interest in the job. Perhaps because the other groups know their lead candidates will have only a limited chance to reach the position? Or are they assessing the situation before committing further?

In any case, you can count on The Beubble to cover the road to the 2024 elections. Don’t miss a story, subscribe to The Beubble.