However, let me quickly make clear that the story in the European edition of The Times does not suggest that Mr. Juncker is on crack cocaine or even 'waccy baccy'. No, no, this exemplary civil servant is on pain-killers because of problems with his kidney stones. Gosh, I wonder what caused that?
Anyway, despite having his office in Luxembourg refurbished at our expense for a mere €310,000 and thereby only 'working' three days a week in Brussels, we are assured that he is hurling himself body and soul into the job. Some sneak snitched this to The Times:
It has emerged since Mr Juncker took on the job, which commands a salary of €293,000, that he often works only a three-day week in the commission’s Berlaymont headquarters in Brussels. On other days he works in Luxembourg. A Brussels insider said the role of president was not a part-time post. “You have to be on the ground in Brussels to have a firm grip,” he said. “Concerns have been raised. No one doubts he is a hard worker; the questions have been about whether he has the stamina to play such a demanding role.”
However, a 'spokesman', yes, there's always plenty of them around, said this:
A spokesman for the commission refused to “dignify rumours” about Mr Juncker’s performance. However, he declined to give details about how many days a week the president worked in Brussels.
“He works five days a week,” said the spokesman. “He has seen 64 heads of state and government here in the Berlaymont. He has seen and done everything expected of him as president of the European Commission.”
Gosh - 64 heads of state! No wonder the poor man needs a drink - or four - or more - to get through the day. We're lucky to have him, really!
