EU Commissioner Thierry Breton Resigns Amid Controversy Over Candidacy Withdrawal
Thierry Breton, the 69-year-old EU Commissioner for the Internal Market, has announced his resignation effective immediately. In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Breton revealed that he had been nominated to serve another term as commissioner from 2024 to 2029. However, his candidacy has been abruptly withdrawn at the request of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Breton's resignation has sent ripples through the European political landscape, particularly given the unexpected nature of the withdrawal of his candidacy. He stated that the decision was based on personal reasons, which have not been directly communicated to him by von der Leyen.
The sudden developments raise questions about the internal dynamics within the European Commission and the relationship between member states and the Commission leadership. As a prominent figure in European politics, Breton's resignation and the circumstances surrounding it will likely spark discussions regarding transparency and accountability in the selection process for such crucial positions.
In his post, Breton did not delve into specifics regarding the reasons for von der Leyen's request but emphasized the importance of communication, hinting at his disappointment over the lack of direct dialogue regarding his future as commissioner.
This resignation marks a significant turn of events in the upcoming European Commission appointments as Breton's experience and leadership will be missed in the crucial area of internal market policies. As member states and stakeholders await further clarifications, the focus will now shift to who will be nominated to fill the vacancy left by Breton and how this will impact the internal market landscape in the EU moving forward.
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