In a surprising turn of events for the European Union's political landscape, Thierry Breton, the Commissioner for the Internal Market, resigned from his position on Monday, September 16, 2024. His resignation was announced via social media, where Breton posted his resignation letter, directly criticizing the leadership of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Breton's exit comes amidst negotiations for the composition of the next European Commission, highlighting internal tensions within the EU's executive body. In his letter, Breton revealed that von der Leyen had recently requested France to withdraw his candidacy for the next term, allegedly for "personal reasons" that were never directly discussed with him. This move, according to Breton, was part of a broader strategy by von der Leyen to secure a gender-balanced Commission, which involved political trade-offs among member states.

The resignation letter also pointed towards what Breton described as "questionable governance" within the Commission, suggesting that this incident was just one example of deeper issues within the EU's executive structure. This public critique has sparked a discussion on leadership transparency and accountability within the EU.

The timing of Breton's resignation is particularly noteworthy as it occurs just before von der Leyen was set to announce her new slate of commissioners. This has potentially delayed the start of the new term, originally planned for November 1, and has introduced a significant element of uncertainty into the formation process.

France, in response to this scenario, nominated Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne as Breton's replacement, a decision that was likely part of the political maneuvering described by Breton. This change was reportedly discussed between Emmanuel Macron and von der Leyen, indicating a level of premeditation in the transition, which Breton felt undermined his position.

Thierry Breton, known for his robust approach in dealing with tech giants and his instrumental role in the EU's Digital Services Act, leaves a significant void in the Commission. His departure is not just a loss of his expertise but also marks a moment of reflection on the internal dynamics and leadership style within the European Commission.

This unfolding drama within the EU's executive arm underscores the complexity of forming a cohesive and effective leadership team in an institution as diverse as the European Union, where national interests often intersect with European objectives. As the EU navigates these waters, all eyes are on how this change in personnel will affect policy direction and the unity of the Commission going forward.