Günther Öttinger (see picture) is going to be Germany’s next EU commissioner, De Standaard Online reported last Saturday. According to Volker Kauder, a CDU leader, Öttinger’s nomination is a “strong signal” the German government is sending to Brussels.  What kind of strong signal is Berlin sending?

Günther Öttinger

I assume that Mr. Öttinger is up for an economy-related portfolio since Mr. Kauder says the candidate is knowledgeable about economics. Unfortunately, the CDU politician turned out to be a bit too precise about Öttinger’s competencies when he let us know that the commissioner in spe knows what’s important for… his country.

Thank God he knows.

PS: I already pity the Commission stuff who will be responsible for translating Mr. Öttinger’s speeches…