Thierry Breton Resigns as EU Commissioner, Citing Pressure from Ursula von der Leyen

European Commissioner Thierry Breton abruptly resigned on Monday, accusing Commission President Ursula von der Leyen of pressuring France to withdraw his candidacy for the next Commission “for personal reasons.” Breton, who was expected to secure a senior role, claimed that Paris was promised a more influential position in return for dropping his name. He announced his resignation in a scathing letter shared on social media, where he criticized “questionable governance” within the European Commission.

Breton’s resignation complicates von der Leyen’s ongoing efforts to finalize her new College of Commissioners, already delayed by political issues in Slovenia. The Frenchman had played a crucial role in the EU’s COVID-19 vaccine production, military support for Ukraine, and regulatory efforts to curb Big Tech excesses, but his departure has cast a shadow over the future composition of the Commission.

The European Commission declined to comment on the claims, with a spokesperson noting that discussions with EU leaders are confidential. Breton’s replacement is expected to be Stéphane Séjourné, France’s foreign affairs minister, though his lower profile raises concerns over the shift in influence.

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