Thierry Breton, Frances European Commissioner for the internal market, has resigned and withdrawn his candidacy for the next European Commission, citing governance issues. In a surprise announcement, Breton claimed that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had requested France to replace him, promising a more powerful role for France if President Emmanuel Macron provided a new candidate.Bretons decision comes just 24 hours before von der Leyen was expected to unveil her new team of commissioners. His abrupt resignation adds another layer of complexity to the formation of the next five-year executive team, further troubling von der Leyens already contentious process.Questionable governance allegationsIn a letter posted on social media platform X, Breton accused von der Leyen of asking France to withdraw his name without discussing the matter with him directly. He criticised her actions as part of a political trade-off, which he described as further testimony to questionable governance of the European Commission. Breton announced his immediate resignation in protest.This resignation brings an end to a turbulent working relationship between von der Leyen and Breton, who frequently clashed on policies and communication strategies. Reflecting on the resignation, one EU diplomat commented, No love lost between these two.France to nominate new candidateBreton indicated that France will put forward a new candidate, although no timeline was provided. His departure follows several other commissioner candidates being replaced recently, as von der Leyen pressures EU member states to nominate more women for her new commission team.With Slovenia yet to nominate its commissioner due to internal political issues, it remains unclear if Bretons exit will further delay von der Leyens planned announcement of her new slate of commissioners, which requires European Parliament approval.
