EGN NEWS DESK
“I can’t say it as a result of it’s a form of open secret however sure, it grew to become clear sooner or later that the title [of Thierry Breton] was a part of the negotiation,” a French official with data of the talks mentioned on situation they continue to be nameless.
The rumor that Macron would finally drop Breton circulated for weeks, if not months inside Brussels circles. Calls had intensified between Macron and von der Leyen final week, amid fears in Paris that France’s portfolio was being watered down, earlier than Séjourné was swapped in for Breton, in accordance with three French officers who had been granted anonymity as a result of they weren’t allowed to touch upon the matter.
In trade for Breton’s head, two French officers mentioned, Paris had pushed for management of key European coverage departments, also referred to as “Directorates-General,” that are how commissioners wield their authority.
Those embrace administrative powers associated to competitors, analysis and innovation, commerce, financial system and finance.
Breton, earlier than he give up, was inner market commissioner. In his resignation letter on Monday, Breton accused the Commission president of eradicating him in “a political commerce off [for] an allegedly extra influential portfolio.”
Von der Leyen is predicted to unveil her College of Commissioners, made up of the president herself and 26 commissioners (one from every member nation), on Tuesday having already postponed it as soon as to be able to safe better gender stability on the group.
