Thierry Breton, France’s European Commissioner, has resigned from his post, citing concerns over the “questionable governance” of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The announcement came on Monday through a dramatic post on social media platform X, where Breton shared his resignation letter.
Breton, who was responsible for overseeing the EU’s single market and industrial policy, was nominated for a second term by French President Emmanuel Macron.
“France to withdraw my name — for personal reasons that in no instance you have discussed directly with me,” Breton revealed in his resignation letter.
He stated that this recent development underscored his concerns about von der Leyen’s leadership style, and therefore, he felt unable to continue in his role.
Breton’s departure adds to the mounting difficulties von der Leyen faces as she attempts to finalize the composition of her next team of EU commissioners. Her efforts to create a more gender-balanced lineup have already sparked political tensions in other countries, such as Slovenia.
Breton, a high-profile figure in the Commission, had been instrumental in pushing for regulations on major US technology companies and in enhancing EU defense production. His resignation has surprised many, further complicating the transition process ahead of the Commission’s next five-year term.
French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné has been appointed as France’s new nominee for the role, with Macron seeking to secure a key portfolio focused on European industrial and strategic autonomy.
The European Commission has not commented on Breton’s resignation, and von der Leyen is expected to announce the full lineup of commissioners after meetings with senior EU lawmakers later this week.
The Guardian, Reuters, Politico contributed to this report.
