POLITICS

Jean-Claude Juncker complains he doesn’t have a stately home or jet

Jean-Claude Juncker said he was embarrassed at having to use commercial flights
Jean-Claude Juncker said he was embarrassed at having to use commercial flights
LUKAS BARTH/EPA

Jean-Claude Juncker has complained that as president of the European Commission he does not have a “stately home” to live in or a personal aircraft like the US president’s Air Force One.

The top EU official has revealed his personal embarrassment at not having an impressive official residence to entertain European or world leaders.

“The commission president doesn’t have a residence. I have been living in a hotel apartment measuring 50 sq m for €3,250 [per month, £95 a night],” he told Germany’s Bild. “I can’t talk to official visitors sitting on my bed.”

Mr Juncker, 64, who finishes his five-year term in November, is offended that he has not had the perks enjoyed by ambassadors. “The Nato secretary-general lives in a stately home