Merkel wants Schulz back as EP Speaker

(ANSA) - Berlin, June 20 - German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday voiced her party's support for Martin Schulz to serve another term as speaker of the European Parliament, by extension withdrawing Germany's endorsement of Schulz for a role in the European Commission. "The German group in the European People's Party (EPP) gives its support to the proposal of Martin Schulz as speaker of the European Parliament," Merkel told a press conference with Estonian Premier Taavi Roivas.
    Schulz was EP speaker until stepping down Wednesday to resume his old job as head of the Socialists and Democrats. The German MEP has also voiced interest in serving in the European Commission after missing out on the the European Commission presidency when his group finished second behind the EPP.
    The centre-right group has picked former Luxembourg premier Jean-Claude Juncker as its candidate.
    Some said Schulz's bid for a seat in the EC was strong given he is a member of Germany's Social Democrats, Merkel's coalition partners.