Former spin doctor on Boris wanting to punch Macron

       American economist Fiona Scott Morton was forced to refuse a job offer by the EU Commission to be in charge of the EU executive's antitrust department after French President Emmanuel Macron voiced his dissent.

       The EU Commission announced last week that it had appointed the Yale economics professor as chief competition economist in its department tasked with ensuring that "all companies compete equally and fairly on their merits within the single market, to the benefit of consumers, businesses and the European economy as a whole.''

       Macron insisted that he has nothing against Scott Morton herself, an economist with multiple diplomas from elite schools.

       But the French leader demanded answers from the commission and suggested that hiring a non-EU citizen to such a senior job should not be allowed under EU statutes.

       “Is there really no great European researcher with academic qualifications that could do this job?” Macron asked at a summit of EU leaders with their Latin American counterparts.

       READ MORE: Emmanuel Macron humiliated as French military branded 'bonsai army'

       Macron complained about Scott Morton's appointment (Image: Getty)

       In a bloc of some 450 million people, “is there no one in the 27 member states that has a researcher good enough to advise the (European) Commission? That is a real question mark,” Macron said.

       In a letter published on Wednesday by European Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager on Twitter, Scott Morton said: "Given the controversy that has arisen because of the selection of a non-European to fill this position, and the importance that the Directorate General has the full backing of the European Union as it enforces, I have determined that the best course of action is for me to withdraw and not take up the Chief Economist position."

       Don't miss...

       Von der Leyen sparks French fury over appointment of US official for top EU job [INSIGHT]

       Macron 'might regret' grand strategic plans as he rolls red carpet for Modi [VIDEO]

       Macron accused of 'grave political error' as he invites Modi on Bastille Day [ANALYSIS]

       Trending

       SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

       We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

       SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

       We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

       SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

       EU latest: Goods crossing Channel return to pre-Brexit speed in hammer blow to Remainer Project Fear

       The managing director of Eurotunnel, Yann Leriche, has announced that goods are now crossing from the EU to the UK at the same speed they were before Brexit.

       Find out more HERE.

       The move had sparked intense criticism from top officials who argued that the selection process was flawed and that the appointment raised serious concerns at a time when the European Union is pushing forward with ambitious digital enforcement legislation.

       France's Europe Minister, Catherine Colonna, expressed her astonishment at the choice of Fiona Scott Morton as chief competition economist and called for the Commission to reconsider its decision last week.

       Commission officials themselves had raised doubts about the selection process, intensifying the pressure on EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager, who is now facing mounting scrutiny over the decision.

       Adding to the growing chorus of criticism, French Secretary for Europe Laurence Boone expressed her disappointment, stressing that Europe boasts a plethora of talented economists who were overlooked in favour of an outsider.

       Boone revealed that she had already engaged in discussions with Vestager, urging the Commission to ensure that appointments align with European ambitions.

       EU latest: Goods crossing Channel return to pre-Brexit speed in hammer blow to Remainer Project Fear

       The managing director of Eurotunnel, Yann Leriche, has announced that goods are now crossing from the EU to the UK at the same speed they were before Brexit.

       Find out more HERE.

       The managing director of Eurotunnel, Yann Leriche, has announced that goods are now crossing from the EU to the UK at the same speed they were before Brexit.

       Find out more HERE.

       The move had sparked intense criticism from top officials who argued that the selection process was flawed and that the appointment raised serious concerns at a time when the European Union is pushing forward with ambitious digital enforcement legislation.

       France's Europe Minister, Catherine Colonna, expressed her astonishment at the choice of Fiona Scott Morton as chief competition economist and called for the Commission to reconsider its decision last week.

       Commission officials themselves had raised doubts about the selection process, intensifying the pressure on EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager, who is now facing mounting scrutiny over the decision.

       Adding to the growing chorus of criticism, French Secretary for Europe Laurence Boone expressed her disappointment, stressing that Europe boasts a plethora of talented economists who were overlooked in favour of an outsider.

       Boone revealed that she had already engaged in discussions with Vestager, urging the Commission to ensure that appointments align with European ambitions.

       The move had sparked intense criticism from top officials who argued that the selection process was flawed and that the appointment raised serious concerns at a time when the European Union is pushing forward with ambitious digital enforcement legislation.

       France's Europe Minister, Catherine Colonna, expressed her astonishment at the choice of Fiona Scott Morton as chief competition economist and called for the Commission to reconsider its decision last week.

       Commission officials themselves had raised doubts about the selection process, intensifying the pressure on EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager, who is now facing mounting scrutiny over the decision.

       Adding to the growing chorus of criticism, French Secretary for Europe Laurence Boone expressed her disappointment, stressing that Europe boasts a plethora of talented economists who were overlooked in favour of an outsider.

       Boone revealed that she had already engaged in discussions with Vestager, urging the Commission to ensure that appointments align with European ambitions.

       Related articles France tells EU to stay out of riots chaos as Brussels scolds French police Forget Brexit now it's Czechxit as Czech Republic falls out of love with EU France set laws for size of HANDKERCHIEFS, same mindset infects EU - COMMENT Germany’s second-largest party pushing for EU abolition policy Ryanair cancels 102 flights as pilots strike – check to see cancellations