Thierry Breton
Thierry Monas | Getty Images News | Getty Images
French European Commissioner Thierry Breton said on Monday he would resign as a member of the bloc’s executive body due to a falling out with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, claiming she had asked Paris to withdraw his candidacy. .
Von der Leyen is finalizing the list of commissioners for her second term leading the governing body, which will be announced to the public this week.
A former corporate executive, Breton spent his first term as EU commissioner for industry and the internal market, overseeing many of the bloc’s most important policies, from industrial weapons production to regulating big tech.
Breton said in his resignation letter posted on .
Reuters could not immediately confirm the allegation. Von der Leyen’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“In light of these latest developments – which are further evidence of governance issues – I have been forced to conclude that I can no longer carry out my responsibilities at the college,” Brereton said in the letter.
Each EU member state will have a seat on the Commission, although their political influence and importance will vary greatly depending on their portfolios.
The French president did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
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