Tusk seen gathering 'overwhelming support' for top EU job

European Union leaders overwhelmingly come out in support of Donald Tusk to retain presidency of the EU Council, saying it is unlikely that strong opposition from his native Poland can block his appointment.

European Council President Donald Tusk arrives for a pre EU Summit meeting of the EPP party at the Academie Royale in Brussels on Thursday, March 9, 2017 (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

The government in Warsaw argues that the decision should be delayed because of its displeasure with Tusk, a bitter political rival. But other leaders insist there is little appetite for a delay.

Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, who will oversee Thursday’s election for president for the next two and a half years, says that consultations over the past week have shown “very solid support” for Tusk.

— AP