France’s influential European Commissioner Thierry Breton announced his resignation on Monday, effective immediately, citing last-minute efforts by EU chief Ursula von der Leyen to exclude him from her incoming team.
Breton’s surprise departure as the EU’s internal market commissioner comes just a day before von der Leyen was set to reveal the new composition of her commission following the EU-wide elections in June.
French President Emmanuel Macron had endorsed Breton for a prominent role in the EU executive, making his anticipated reappointment seem assured given France’s significant position within the 27-nation bloc.
“In the very final stretch of negotiations on the composition of the future College, you asked France to withdraw my name,” Breton wrote in a scorching letter to von der Leyen, posted on X.
“In light of these latest developments – further testimony to questionable governance – I have to conclude that I can no longer exercise my duties in the College,” he wrote.
“I am therefore resigning from my position as European Commissioner, effective immediately.”
The European Commission has yet to comment on Breton’s resignation. In his letter, Breton accused von der Leyen of requesting France to withdraw his candidacy due to “personal reasons” that were never discussed with him directly. He alleged that von der Leyen offered a supposedly more influential role for France in exchange for his withdrawal.
Breton, a significant figure in Brussels and the EU’s internal market commissioner since 2019, has been known for his tough stance on major digital platforms and his work on defense and space initiatives. He was expected to be promoted to a commission vice president role focused on industrial growth.
The 69-year-old Breton was viewed as a crucial counterbalance to Berlin’s influence within the EU. In his resignation, he emphasized his dedication to the European good over national interests and expressed honor in his role.
Breton has previously clashed with von der Leyen, including publicly questioning her support within her own European People’s Party. He was also among those who criticized her for alleged lack of transparency in a key appointment.
An EU diplomat commented that von der Leyen’s decision to push out Breton could be seen as a display of strength, suggesting that his resignation was likely contingent upon Macron agreeing to propose a different candidate. This move, the diplomat noted, leaves von der Leyen in a stronger position.
The allocation of portfolios within the 27-member European Commission will provide significant insight into the EU’s political trajectory and the influence of member states, especially after the far-right made notable gains in the recent EU Parliament elections.
Von der Leyen has urged member countries to nominate more women for the Commission, a request that many, including France, have not fully embraced by offering only male or female candidates.
In the wake of Breton’s resignation, French Green lawmaker Marie Toussaint has called for Macron to appoint a woman as his replacement.
This controversy arises as France anticipates the formation of a new government under conservative Prime Minister Michel Barnier, who was appointed by Macron as a compromise candidate following the June elections, which resulted in a hung parliament.
