Because of Von der Leyen

Resignation! EU Commissioner Breton criticizes leadership

Thierry Breton resigns from his post.(Bild: AFP/Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD)

French EU Commissioner Thierry Breton has resigned and will therefore not be a member of Ursula von der Leyen's future EU Commission. The two are likely to have fallen out due to internal power games, according to a letter.

In a letter published on the online platform X on Monday, he clearly criticizes the Commission President. A few days ago, she asked France to nominate a new Commissioner and promised the country a more powerful portfolio in return.

Breton sees "questionable leadership"
The Frenchman accuses von der Leyen of having done this for "personal reasons", which she had never discussed with him personally. In view of this, according to Breton, further "evidence of questionable leadership", he could no longer fulfill his "duties in the College".

Breton was responsible for industry and the internal market in the previous Commission and was nominated for a further term of office by French President Emmanuel Macron. Breton caused a stir at the beginning of the year when he passionately warned against a second term in office for Donald Trump. He recalled an argument with a Republican: the US politician had threatened not to defend Europe in an emergency.

Breton's letter to read:

Commission to be presented on Tuesday
Commission President von der Leyen had originally asked all EU countries to nominate both a woman and a man - with one exception for those Commissioners who were already in the post.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, von der Leyen was due to present her future Commission to the leaders of the EU Parliament in Strasbourg. However, Breton's resignation now casts doubt on this.