Today, the news broke that Thierry Breton, the now-former European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, has resigned—falling on his sword in response to being used as a pawn in the political horse-trading between Commission President von der Leyen and French President Macron.
In an explosive exit, Breton published his resignation letter online attacking von der Leyen for undermining him and for her “questionable governance.” He then pointedly posted a picture of an empty picture frame as his next official portrait.
Breton used his decision to resign to make as much noise as possible by opting for the strongest form of criticism—the Commission President’s leadership; her “questionable governance.” This is unprecedented.
We, in the ECR, have repeatedly attacked von der Leyen’s leadership. The clearest and largest examples of mismanagement are obvious to all—the blinkered approach to pushing through the Green Deal and destroying the EU economies and competitiveness which doesn’t appear to be changing. And then failing to get to grips with immigration which, ultimately, has led to Germany closing its borders. But the commissioners largely follow the party line—criticism of the leader is verboten.
Cracks at the top
Breton’s letter must be a sign that things are not all well at the top and that other commissioners must be thinking the same thing. One example of questionable governance may be forgiven but Breton refers to “further testimony to questionable governance”. What “further … questionable governance” is Breton referring to? Will he tell all?
Other questions are also raised by the letter’s content:
- What were undisclosed personal reasons for von der Leyen to ask France to withdraw Breton’s candidacy?
- Were they professional reasons or personal?
- What was the “more influential portfolio” that was offered?
This unprecedented attack has weakened von der Leyen significantly and has raised questions about the power and influence she wields. Former ECR MEP Rob Roos stated in a comment on X that “von der Leyen has far too much power.”
An attempt to find gender balance?
Another issue to consider is whether Breton was a victim of von der Leyen’s attempt to increase the gender balance among EU Commissioners. Normally, Breton would be protected under an exemption to the gender equality strategy as a re-nominated serving commissioner. However, if France was offered a more influential portfolio in exchange for proposing a female candidate—especially as member states have reacted in a lukewarm way to calls to propose female candidates—that would be a clear success for von der Leyen.
Is Elon Musk the winner?
It is clear that Breton is nothing more than the unhappy collateral resulting from an EU power play between von der Leyen and Macron. However, does this mean the upper hand will be handed back to Elon Musk—previously in Breton’s sights? No doubt Musk will be delighted and I’m certain that the meme-fest that will now follow Breton posting an empty frame will keep Musk’s users happy. As regards whose face will fill the empty portrait, I expect we’ll know more at the end of this week.
Unprecedented Attack on President von der Leyen: the Cost of Political Horse-Trading
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks with Thierry Breton as she arrives to deliver her candidacy statement at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, on July 18, 2024. Breton, The European Commissioner for the Internal Market, announced on September 16, 2024 his resignation from the European Commission with immediate effect, claiming that von der Leyen had asked French President Emmanuel Macron that he no longer be France’s candidate.
Photo: FREDERICK FLORIN / AFP
Today, the news broke that Thierry Breton, the now-former European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, has resigned—falling on his sword in response to being used as a pawn in the political horse-trading between Commission President von der Leyen and French President Macron.
In an explosive exit, Breton published his resignation letter online attacking von der Leyen for undermining him and for her “questionable governance.” He then pointedly posted a picture of an empty picture frame as his next official portrait.
Breton used his decision to resign to make as much noise as possible by opting for the strongest form of criticism—the Commission President’s leadership; her “questionable governance.” This is unprecedented.
We, in the ECR, have repeatedly attacked von der Leyen’s leadership. The clearest and largest examples of mismanagement are obvious to all—the blinkered approach to pushing through the Green Deal and destroying the EU economies and competitiveness which doesn’t appear to be changing. And then failing to get to grips with immigration which, ultimately, has led to Germany closing its borders. But the commissioners largely follow the party line—criticism of the leader is verboten.
Cracks at the top
Breton’s letter must be a sign that things are not all well at the top and that other commissioners must be thinking the same thing. One example of questionable governance may be forgiven but Breton refers to “further testimony to questionable governance”. What “further … questionable governance” is Breton referring to? Will he tell all?
Other questions are also raised by the letter’s content:
This unprecedented attack has weakened von der Leyen significantly and has raised questions about the power and influence she wields. Former ECR MEP Rob Roos stated in a comment on X that “von der Leyen has far too much power.”
An attempt to find gender balance?
Another issue to consider is whether Breton was a victim of von der Leyen’s attempt to increase the gender balance among EU Commissioners. Normally, Breton would be protected under an exemption to the gender equality strategy as a re-nominated serving commissioner. However, if France was offered a more influential portfolio in exchange for proposing a female candidate—especially as member states have reacted in a lukewarm way to calls to propose female candidates—that would be a clear success for von der Leyen.
Is Elon Musk the winner?
It is clear that Breton is nothing more than the unhappy collateral resulting from an EU power play between von der Leyen and Macron. However, does this mean the upper hand will be handed back to Elon Musk—previously in Breton’s sights? No doubt Musk will be delighted and I’m certain that the meme-fest that will now follow Breton posting an empty frame will keep Musk’s users happy. As regards whose face will fill the empty portrait, I expect we’ll know more at the end of this week.
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