German takeover of EU compared to ROMAN EMPIRE as another Schulz ally bags key role

ANOTHER German bureaucrat has taken a key role in the EU – sparking comparisons to the Roman Empire's brutal takeover of Europe.

Markus Winkler, a close ally of President Martin Schulz, will become the deputy Secretary General of the European Commission from November.

With the position of President and Secretary General already taken by Germans, critics have accused Schultz of undermining democracy.

Commission vice-president Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, a German himself, yesterday drew parallels with the Holy Roman Empire ruling Europe.

Another leading Eurocrat suggested Schulz – who was appointed in 2012 – is looking to surround himself with allies.

Philippe Lamberts, the Belgian president of the European Green party, said the move was an "insult to diversity".

He said: "It is now a general trend in the Parliament that to earn Schulz’s favour, you need to be German and a Socialist."

Schulz is said to be "pushing" yet another ally, his spokesman Armin Machmer, to take a role in the Commission.

Machmer responded to the claims by telling Politico: "Whether I will apply or not to any of the posts remains to be seen."

The official, who has spent most of his career as an aide, added: "It would be perfectly normal to apply for a post in middle or higher management."

Schultz last month rejected claims he wanted to fill the Parliament with German politicians following reports Winkler could join his team.

His spokesman said: "Those posts are open procedures to which anybody can apply who fulfils the necessary requirements such as work experience.

"No other post, be it director generals or deputy secretary generals, were discussed or decided."