Stéphane Séjourné proposed by the Élysée to succeed Thierry Breton at the European Commission
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Stéphane Séjourné proposed by the Élysée to succeed Thierry Breton at the European Commission

16 September 2024 / Interviews

On Monday, September 16, 2024, the Élysée officially proposed Stéphane Séjourné, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and current leader of the presidential party, to sit on the next European Commission. This announcement comes after the unexpected departure of Thierry Breton, outgoing European Commissioner, who was initially expected to keep a position in the new team led by Ursula von der Leyen.

The position that Stéphane Séjourné is expected to occupy within the Commission will focus on the crucial issues of industrial and technological sovereignty and European competitiveness, according to information reported by the Reuters agency.

Thierry Breton's departure amid disagreement

Earlier in the morning, Thierry Breton, who has been the European Commissioner for the Internal Market since 2019, announced his resignation in a message published on the social network X. Breton strongly criticized Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, accusing her of having removed him without prior consultation. “You asked France to withdraw my name for personal reasons, without having discussed it with me directly,” he wrote.

This dramatic departure, although surprising, comes in a context of growing tensions between Ursula von der Leyen and Thierry Breton, tensions which have marked the last months of their collaboration.

Stéphane Séjourné, a strategic choice for France

The choice of Stéphane Séjourné as Thierry Breton's successor reflects France's desire to maintain major influence within the European Commission, particularly in strategic sectors. Very close to Emmanuel Macron, Séjourné has established himself as a key figure in the presidential majority, particularly through his reforms and his management of European affairs.

Prime Minister Michel Barnier welcomed this appointment, declaring that he had "confidence in Stéphane Séjourné to actively contribute to the success of the next European College, in the general interest of the Union".