Martin Liby Troein: There are better options to lead the EUROPEAN commission, Manfred Weber

It is not just a new EUROPEAN parliament that will be elected this year. A new commission should also be added – including a successor to Jean-Claude Juncker on the post of president.

Right now the think tank Bruegel hearings of top candidates. And last Tuesday was Manfred Weber, candidate for the center-right partigruppen EPP – Conservatives and the Christian democrats belong – to account.

it was only really when Weber had to answer questions about whether Brussels should get more tools to rebuke the members who undermine the rule of law. In other words: if Poland and Hungary to be punished for the attacks on the independence of the judiciary and the media, and the academy's freedom. The bayerske christian democrat, took too eagerly to the european union sanctions should be strengthened. Good so. The question is whether he would make a reality of the words.

as Viktor Orbán, whose Fidesz, he said, has escalated the attacks on democracy have increasingly called for him to be thrown out of the bourgeois community. But Weber has regularly kept the Hungarian prime minister on the back.

the Idea that the EUROPEAN parliament's party groups to choose either one is basically backwards.

Particularly telling was that he, during the hearing, took unto themselves the honour of Fidesz last month was suspended from the EPP. Several members of the team, including the M and KD, wanted to Orbán's party would be excluded permanently. Now were in the place three vaguely worded requirements on the Hungarian. Weber may be regarded as the chief architect for the relatively mild punishment.

the EUROPEAN parliament's party groups to choose their top candidate is basically backwards. The legislators in Brussels to choose either the commission chairman or its other members.

It is the heads of government in the European council that nominates the commissioners, and who will agree on who should get the toppjobbet. The parliament must approve the lineup.

In the end learn the president's name, therefore, be a result of negotiations between heads of government. It does mean that Juncker's successor is likely to be an EPP-politicians – members of the group weigh heavily in both the parliament and the council. But also that they do not need hot Manfred Weber.

would be Michel Barnier, who handled the negotiations on Brexit in a way that has created wide confidence. Or Finland's former prime minister, Alexander Stubb – who have been sharp in their criticism of Orbán's attacks on democracy.

if you still Want to have a German christian democrat is also sharper candidates. Angela Merkel has said that she does not want the job, but would be an excellent choice.