What is the “Spitzenkandidaten”?

2 min

Available until 26/04/2025

To determine who the next President of the European Commission will be, the “Spitzenkandidaten” process is used. Mirroring national elections, political groups in the European Parliament appoint lead candidates who all compete for the position. The leader of the group most capable of marshalling enough parliamentary support typically goes on to become head of the Commission. But as the process isn’t legally binding, it is not always respected.

Editing

F. Grimm

Graphics

A. Mangin

Journalist

R. Michelot

Country

  • France

  • Germany

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