Thierry Breton
Thierry Monasse Getty Images News | Getty Images
French European Commissioner Thierry Breton said on Monday that he would resign as a member of the EU’s executive body due to a dispute with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, saying he had asked Paris to withdraw his candidacy.
Von der Leyen finalized the list of commissioners for a second term leading the governing body, as it will be presented to the public this week.
Breton, a former business executive, was the EU’s industry and internal market commissioner during his first term, overseeing many of the bloc’s most important policies, from industrial arms production to regulating Big Tech.
In his resignation letter, which Breton sent on X, he said von der Leyen “a few days ago” asked France to withdraw his name as a choice for the Commission “for personal reasons” in return for “an allegedly more influential portfolio”.
Reuters could not immediately verify the allegations. Von der Leyen’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“In light of these latest developments – further testimony of questionable governance – I have come to the conclusion that I can no longer carry out my duties at the College,” Breton said in the letter.
Each EU member state will have one seat at the Commission table, although their political weight and importance will vary depending on their portfolio.
The French president did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.