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"The way things are now, there is no alternative to the nomination of Juncker," writes De Volkskrant, reporting on discussions between European Council president Herman Von Rompuy and EU heads of state and government concerning the naming of a new European Commission president. According to the paper, Van Rompuy considers Jean-Claude Juncker to be the candidate with the best chances and most acceptance. As for Angela Merkel, the German chancellor —
is no friend of Juncker, but she has to respond to strong political pressure within Germany to show her support. The heads of state and government know the choice of the former prime minister of Luxembourg increases the chances of Britain leaving the European Union, with Prime Minister David Cameron being fiercely opposed to Juncker, but they consider this to be collateral damage.
The paper says Merkel hopes a decision will be taken at the next European Council of 26-27 June.
