Leading U.S. Economist Resigns From Brussels Job Due To Macron's Backlash

Economist Fiona Scott Morton has turned down the position of chief competition economist at the European Union. Photo: Frederic Camallonga. Manuel Macron and other European politicians who objected to her citizenship.

Yale University professor Fiona Scott Morton refused to take the position of chief economist at the European Union Competition Authority after a week of criticism of her appointment.

Professor Morton's appointment would mark the first time that a non-EU citizen has taken such a high position in the European Commission, and critics have argued that Professor Morton may have a bias against American companies.

In a letter to Margrethe Vestager, European Commissioner for Competition, Professor Morton said on Wednesday: «Given the controversy surrounding the selection of a non-European for the position and the importance of the Directorate-General having the full support of the European Union, I have decided that it is best for me to step down and not take the position of Chief Economist.»

The letter came hours after Mr Macron called her appointment «questionable» and said it «implies that we have very serious problems with all academic systems in Europe.”

The French president said the Americans would not put a European «at the center of decision-making in the White House.»

French President Emmanuel Macron objected to the appointment of Professor Morton. Photo: Nicolas Landemar/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Last week the leaders of four groups in the European Parliament wrote to Ms Vestager criticizing the decision to appoint a non-EU candidate.

MEPs said: «During the scrutiny of our institutions due to foreign interference, we do not understand the consideration of candidates from non-EU countries for such a high-ranking and strategic position.»

German MEP Markus Ferber asked Ms Vestager on Tuesday: «Out of 450 million Europeans, could we not have found someone who would meet the criteria we are looking for?»

In addition to her nationality, the appointment of a professor Morton also drew criticism because of her previous work as a lobbyist for American technology companies.

She had previous ties to Apple and Microsoft that politicians deemed inappropriate given her advising on the Digital Markets Act.

In response to Professor Morton's departure from that position, Ms. Vestager tweeted, «I take this with regret and hope she continues to use her extraordinary skills to enforce strict competition rules.»