Thierry Breton Resigns from EU Commission, Sparks Governance Concerns
Thierry Breton, France's European commissioner in charge of the EU's single market and industrial policy, has announced his immediate resignation, citing questionable governance under EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Breton's decision, shared via a post on X, highlights growing tensions within the European Commission and raises questions about its management practices.
In his resignation letter, Breton revealed that von der Leyen had requested the French government to withdraw his name for personal reasons, which she never addressed with him directly. "In light of these recent developments... I have to conclude that I can no longer exercise my duties," he stated.
Breton’s resignation comes at a time when the European Commission is already facing disarray, particularly concerning the appointment of von der Leyen's senior team. The unveiling of a more gender-balanced lineup triggered a political scandal in Slovenia, where pressure was exerted to withdraw a male candidate. This further complicates the timeline for announcing the next commission, which is expected after meetings with senior Members of the European Parliament.
The upcoming commission is tasked with enforcing EU law in various critical areas, including environment and climate, industrial and economic policy, foreign affairs, migration, farming, and fishing. Breton, known for his high-profile clashes with major technology firms like X and Meta over internet regulations and efforts to bolster EU ammunition production in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine, was a significant player in von der Leyen's administration.
Despite criticism from within, the commission has not commented on Breton’s departure. Rym Momtaz, editor-in-chief of the Carnegie Europe think tank's Strategic Europe publication, likened the situation to a dramatic episode of the popular series 'Succession' meets 'Game of Thrones.' There was never a strong rapport between von der Leyen and Breton; he had been vocal about his disagreements with her management style even before his resignation. He previously questioned von der Leyen's competency for a second term during her reelection campaign, reflecting a broader skepticism about her leadership among some EU officials.
Supporters of von der Leyen point to her support for Ukraine and her role in establishing a post-COVID recovery fund as highlights of her commission. However, Breton's resignation is likely to amplify the chorus of critiques regarding her governance style—a sentiment that has persisted throughout her tenure as she has faced accusations of being aloof and lacking transparency.
As the EU Commission prepares for a new chapter ahead, the landscape appears increasingly contentious, with challenges to governance and internal relations now underscored by recent resignations and public disagreements.
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