French EU Commissioner Accuses von der Leyen of Betrayal
Thierry Breton has stepped down, signaling his dissatisfaction with the leadership of European Commission President. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
A prominent French member of the European Union’s executive body, Thierry Breton, tendered his resignation on Monday in a letter filled with accusations against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, claiming she undermined his position.
Previously positioned for a second term as the bloc’s internal market commissioner, a role proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron, Breton abruptly announced his withdrawal. He accused von der Leyen of secretly attempting to persuade Macron to replace him.
“A few days ago, in the very final stretch of negotiations on the composition of the future College, you asked France to withdraw my name – for personal reasons that in no instance you have discussed directly with me,” Breton communicated in a pointed letter to von der Leyen on X.
Breton's unexpected resignation precedes the expected announcement by von der Leyen concerning the new lineup of the College of Commissioners, aimed at achieving a better gender balance. Some smaller EU countries, influenced by von der Leyen, have replaced male nominees with female ones, reports Politico.
“In light of these latest developments – further testimony to questionable governance – I have to conclude that I can no longer exercise my duties in the College,” Breton wrote in his resignation announcement.
“I am therefore resigning from my position as European Commissioner, effective immediately.”
Furthermore, Breton criticized von der Leyen for allegedly offering France a more significant commission portfolio in exchange for Macron appointing a different candidate, a strategy purportedly applied to smaller member states as well.
Amidst these events, tensions have escalated between Paris and Brussels regarding the assignment of commission portfolios to France. “France is not satisfied with the portfolio scope allocated to Thierry Breton,” stated a high-ranking official from Macron's party, amidst discussions that Italy might secure a prestigious economics position.
Throughout their tenure, Breton and von der Leyen reportedly experienced numerous conflicts, both privately and publicly.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
Previously positioned for a second term as the bloc’s internal market commissioner, a role proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron, Breton abruptly announced his withdrawal. He accused von der Leyen of secretly attempting to persuade Macron to replace him.
“A few days ago, in the very final stretch of negotiations on the composition of the future College, you asked France to withdraw my name – for personal reasons that in no instance you have discussed directly with me,” Breton communicated in a pointed letter to von der Leyen on X.
Breton's unexpected resignation precedes the expected announcement by von der Leyen concerning the new lineup of the College of Commissioners, aimed at achieving a better gender balance. Some smaller EU countries, influenced by von der Leyen, have replaced male nominees with female ones, reports Politico.
“In light of these latest developments – further testimony to questionable governance – I have to conclude that I can no longer exercise my duties in the College,” Breton wrote in his resignation announcement.
“I am therefore resigning from my position as European Commissioner, effective immediately.”
Furthermore, Breton criticized von der Leyen for allegedly offering France a more significant commission portfolio in exchange for Macron appointing a different candidate, a strategy purportedly applied to smaller member states as well.
Amidst these events, tensions have escalated between Paris and Brussels regarding the assignment of commission portfolios to France. “France is not satisfied with the portfolio scope allocated to Thierry Breton,” stated a high-ranking official from Macron's party, amidst discussions that Italy might secure a prestigious economics position.
Throughout their tenure, Breton and von der Leyen reportedly experienced numerous conflicts, both privately and publicly.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
