PARIS, Sept 16 – On Monday, French European Commissioner Thierry Breton announced his resignation from the EU executive body, citing a disagreement with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Breton alleged that von der Leyen had asked France to withdraw his candidacy.
As von der Leyen prepares to unveil her list of commissioners for her second term, Breton, who served as the EU’s industry and internal market commissioner during her first term, claimed in a resignation letter posted on X that she had requested France to remove his name for “personal reasons” in exchange for a “supposedly more influential portfolio.”
Breton, a former business executive, oversaw key policies in his previous role, including industrial arms production and the regulation of Big Tech.
Reuters was unable to immediately verify the claims, and von der Leyen’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
“In light of these latest developments, which reflect questionable governance, I can no longer continue my duties in the College,” Breton stated in the letter.
While each EU member state is entitled to a seat at the Commission, the political influence of commissioners varies greatly depending on their portfolio.
The French presidency also did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
