The broadcast of images of the president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, apparently unsteady on his feet at the NATO leaders' dinner this week sparked speculation about his physical state. Today, the European Commission came out in support of its president, refuting those that claimed he was drunk.
The Commission's spokesperson denied that Juncker has an alcohol problem, saying that he was affected by an attack of sciatica with cramps. They added that this is no impediment to him carrying out his role.
"The president suffered a particularly painful attack of sciatica accompanied by cramps", spokesperson Margaritis Schinas said, noting that the president himself "publicly stated that this sciatica affects his ability to walk".
Video: ACN