Germany - Günther Oettinger (EPP)

Until his nomination, Oettinger was the PM of Baden-Württenberg state. He was a staunch economic-liberal, and part of the so-called Andenpakt, an influential power alliance within the CDU. However, his attempts to curry the favours of his socially conservative local party didn't work out that well (see Whitewashing History (or: Judging a Judge) on his eulogy for a dead CDU leader with a Nazi past), and he had not much to show locally while his federal-level initiatives angered Merkel, so he became a liability. Off to Brussels with him!

Meanwhile, German newspapers report that Guenter Oettinger may be given industry with something else tacked on to flesh out the portfolio

As we discussed here, the nomination was seen differently in Germany and Brussels. In Brussels, there was open dismay, as people haven't heard of Oettinger and think he is neither a heavyweight nor competent for the job. In Germany however, he is seen by media as a heavyweight and economy expert, who was dumped as a problem for the CDU alright, but who is ambitious enough for the job -- some speculated that he may battle his own national government over competition issues. He is a neolib faithful, after all.

_{*Lunatic*, n.
One whose delusions are out of fashion.}