France Proposes Stéphane Séjourné for European Commission Following Breton's Resignation
France is set to nominate Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné to the European Commission in the wake of the unexpected resignation of Thierry Breton, a prominent figure in Brussels, according to a statement from President Emmanuel Macron's office on September 16. The Élysée Palace emphasized Séjourné's qualifications, noting his prior leadership of the liberal Renew group within the European Parliament. The government indicated that Séjourné would likely oversee a portfolio akin to that held by Breton, focusing on industrial and technological sovereignty, as well as enhancing European competitiveness—issues that are particularly significant to Macron.
President Macron expressed gratitude towards Breton for his substantial contributions to advancing Europe's digital sovereignty policy, which includes initiatives such as the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act. Breton's efforts also extended to bolster the European defense industrial and technological base, as well as managing the EU's single market during the Covid pandemic.
Breton, the chief of the Internal Market, resigned with immediate effect, claiming that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had requested Macron to withdraw Breton's nomination. In return, France was purportedly offered a more influential position within the Commission, a claim made by Breton himself.
Stéphane Séjourné, appointed as Foreign Minister just this past January, has made history as the youngest person to assume this role in the Fifth Republic at only 38 years of age. As a loyal ally of Macron, Séjourné's rise within the French government has been swift. His proposed appointment is seen as a strategic move to maintain France's influence within the European Commission amid shifting political dynamics across the bloc.
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