The president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen accepts the resignation of French Commissioner Thierry Breton and “thanks him for his work”, Ariana Podesta, one of the representatives of the European Commission, said today.

The Commissioner responsible for the Internal Market and Industry, Thierry Breton announced his resignation today in surprise, releasing the contents of his resignation letter to Ursula von der Leyen. Through the letter, Breton accuses the President of the Commission that for “personal reasons” she asked the French President to withdraw his candidacy, in return – a “political compromise” – a “portfolio with more influence for France”.

“It was Thierry Breton’s choice to make this letter public,” she said Ariana Podesta in today’s press briefing. Avoiding commenting on the content of the letter, A. Podesta contented herself with stating that the Commission President’s discussions with the heads of state and government about the Commissioners’ positions are a process that has started since July and these discussions are confidential. “We have not commented on this process so far and will continue to do so,” he added. Repeating the same phrase, the representative avoided answering “uncomfortable” questions, such as whether the President of the Commission puts her personal differences above experience and skill as a criterion for the selection of Commissioners. He also refused to comment on the accusation of “questionable governance” that T. Breton makes in his letter to von der Leyen.

Shortly after the resignation announcement of T. Breton, the Elysee Palace announced that the French President, Emmanuel Macron decided to nominate outgoing Foreign Minister Stéphane Cezournet, a former MEP and former head of the European Parliament’s centrist Renew group, as candidate for Commissioner of France. France aims for a portfolio “focused on the sector of industrial, technological dominance and European competitiveness”, the Elysee Palace announced.

According to the representative A. Podesta, Ursula von der Leyen still hopes to be able to present the House of new Commissioners tomorrow at the Presidents’ Conference in the European Parliament. He did not deny, however, that the situation remains uncertain, due to the pending approval of the new Commissioner-designate, Marta Kos, by the national parliament on the Slovenian side. “We will see if it is possible” to present the new House of Commissioners tomorrow, he said, noting that “within 24 hours a lot can happen in politics”.