Monday, September 16, 2024, 09:29
The Internal Market Commissioner and until Monday the French candidate for the European Commission, Thierry Breton, has resigned from his post and has refused to repeat in the Community Executive. In a letter sent to the president of Brussels, Ursula von der Leyen, Breton accuses her of putting pressure on Emmanuel Macron behind his back to force a change of candidate. “A few days ago, in the final stretch of the negotiations, you asked France to withdraw my name – for personal reasons that you did not discuss directly with me – and offered, in exchange, a portfolio with more influence for the country in the future Executive,” Breton reproaches him.
In the letter, the current commissioner points out that these latest events are “further proof of questionable governance”, which is why he is forced to leave his post: “I cannot continue to carry out my duties at the College,” says the Frenchman. The text concludes by informing Von der Leyen that the Elysée will propose an alternative candidate to her.
The disagreements and the lack of harmony between Breton and the President of the European Commission are well known in Brussels. In addition, the conservative politician has redoubled her pressure on the capitals to get more women in the next Executive. However, the presentation of her proposal for the European Commission, which she must present tomorrow to the European Parliament, remains up in the air, but which is complicated by Breton’s resignation.
The European Commission’s mandate ends in October, but Von der Leyen’s 27 commissioners – one for each member state – must obtain the approval of the European Council and the European Parliament. The composition of the executive must maintain geographical and political balance. In addition, the European socialists have assured that they will not support a proposal that maintains gender parity.
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