Breton Says He Is Stepping Down as France's EU Commissioner, Citing Spat with Von Der Leyen

 

Breton, a former business executive, was the EU's industry and internal market commissioner during her first term, overseeing many of the bloc's most important policies, ranging from industrial arms production to regulating Big Tech.

 

In his resignation letter, which Breton posted on X, he said von der Leyen "a few days ago" had asked France to withdraw his name as its pick for the Commission "for personal reasons" in return for an "allegedly more influential portfolio", Reuters reported.

 

Von der Leyen's office did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

 

"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 said in the letter.

 

Each EU member state will have one seat at the Commission's table, although their political weight and importance varies greatly depending on the portfolio.

 

The French presidency did not immediately reply to a Reuters request for comment.