Weber and Timmermans first face-off debate is nothing but confrontational

The two leading contenders to be the next president of the European Commission went head-to-head for the first time in a TV debate aired on Wednesday evening, and although the sparks didn’t really fly, there were moments of disagreement.

The debate was split in two. The first part featured two journalists from the France 24 TV channel asking rather softball questions about EU-related issues in French (Weber answered in English, Timmermans in French). Later, a second debate moderated by a British journalist was held in English by the same channel (both answered in English).

They called for more coordinated European defense and a revision of EU rules on asylum. Both acknowledged that migration flows have been reduced thanks to what Timmermans called an “effort of pro-European parties in the European Parliament and member states.”

The two men also agreed the Parliament should keep its Strasbourg seat — even though many MEPs want the Parliament to be based in just one city rather than making the costly monthly trek between Brussels and Strasbourg.

Via POLITICO

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