Mr Juncker’s comments come amid speculation that Germany’s chancellor could move to EU politics. He said to the German Funke media group: “She is not only a respected person, but a lovable work of art.” Mr Juncker also said that Mrs Merkel will make more of an impact until the end of her electoral period in 2021. In October of last year, the veteran chancellor announced that she would gradually withdraw from politics. Therefore the current fourth term will be her last.
The president criticised Emmanuel Macron during his interview with the German media group.
He said: “One reason for the crisis of political credibility is precisely the fact that what is promised before the election is not what is done after.
“The Liberals, to whom Emmanuel Macron belongs, have failed to put up a lead candidate and have therefore nominated nine candidates.
With regards to Brexit, Juncker said there was a risk that the UK could leave the bloc without a deal even though EU leaders have extended the Article 50 deadline until October 31.
He said: “Nobody knows how Brexit will end. This is creating great uncertainty.
“There is still a fear that there will be a hard Brexit without any withdrawal treaty arrangements.
“I hope that the British will make use of this time and not waste it again.”
Germany’s Christian Democratic Union has said Merkel would not seek any other political offices after 2021.
Annegret Kramp-Kartenbauer is seen as the main contender for the chancellorship.
Mrs Merkel is not due to take part in campaigning for next month’s European parliament elections or the German regional elections later this year.