In a significant political upheaval in Europe, EU Commissioner Thierry Breton has resigned from his position amid escalating tensions with President Ursula von der Leyen. His departure, announced through a letter on social media platform X, marks a critical moment for the European Commission as it prepares for the formation of its new team.
Breton, who had been nominated for a second term by French President Emmanuel Macron, cited a lack of transparency and communication from von der Leyen as key factors in his decision to leave. In his resignation letter, he expressed disappointment over being asked to withdraw his name from consideration for the new commission, which he described as a political maneuver that undermined his contributions to the EU.
The fallout from Breton's resignation is already being felt, with various political figures weighing in on the implications for the EU's governance. EU Greens co-president Bas Eickhout remarked that von der Leyen would not be saddened by Breton's departure, while EPP MEP Dirk Gotink criticized Breton for undermining the commission's formation process. Meanwhile, some, like MEP Brando Benifei, acknowledged Breton's efforts in advocating for greater shared sovereignty and a healthier digital environment.
