French Commissioner Thierry Breton Resigns, Leaving the Future European Commission in Limbo

The Commissioner for Internal Market and, until this Monday, the French candidate for the European Commission, Thierry Breton, has resigned from his position and has declined to serve again in the EU executive body. In a letter addressed to Brussels President Ursula von der Leyen, Breton accuses her of pressuring Emmanuel Macron behind his back to force a change of candidate. "A few days ago, in the final stretch of negotiations, you asked France to withdraw my name - for personal reasons that you did not discuss directly with me - and offered, in exchange, a more influential portfolio for the country in the future Executive," Breton criticizes.

In the letter, the now-former commissioner points out that these recent events are "further evidence of questionable governance," compelling him to leave his position: "I cannot continue to fulfill my duties in the College," asserts the Frenchman. The text concludes by informing Von der Leyen that the Élysée will propose an alternative candidate.

The disagreements and lack of rapport between Breton and the President of the European Commission are well known in Brussels. Additionally, the conservative politician has intensified her pressure on capitals to secure more women in the next Executive. As a result, the presentation of her proposal for the European Commission, which she is due to present before the European Parliament tomorrow, is now complicated following Breton's resignation.

The mandate of the European Commission ends in October, but Von der Leyen's 27 commissioners - one from each Member State - must receive approval from both the European Council and the European Parliament. The composition of the Executive must maintain geographical and political balance. Moreover, European socialists have stated that they will not support a proposal that does not uphold gender parity.