Thierry Breton resigns amid governance clash with von der Leyen

On September 16, Thierry Breton, the European Union's top regulator for the internal market, resigned amid a governance dispute with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Breton accused von der Leyen of undermining his re-appointment by lobbying French President Emmanuel Macron to withdraw his candidacy in favor of a more powerful position for France. He expressed his discontent over what he termed 'questionable governance' and stated that he could no longer fulfill his duties effectively. The European Commission did not comment on the allegations but acknowledged Breton's resignation, thanking him for his service. This unexpected departure complicates von der Leyen's efforts to finalize her new commission, which was already behind schedule. The appointment process involves balancing various political, geographical, and gender considerations, making it a sensitive task. Breton's resignation is particularly significant as he was a prominent figure in the Commission, overseeing critical areas such as COVID-19 vaccine distribution and regulating major tech companies. His exit raises concerns about the Commission's ability to maintain continuity in its operations and initiatives, especially in light of ongoing challenges like misinformation and the regulation of online platforms. The situation highlights the tensions within the EU's leadership and the complexities of governance in a multi-national organization. As von der Leyen navigates these challenges, the implications of Breton's resignation may lead to further delays in appointing a new cabinet and could impact the EU's strategic objectives moving forward.