European Union: Stéphane Séjourné inherits a key industry portfolio within the new Commission

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Arthur de Laborde with AFP / Photo credits: DIMITRIS PERISTERIS / SOOC / SOOC via AFP
modified at

11:28 AM, September 17, 2024

Frenchman Thierry Breton slammed the door of the European Commission on Monday, saying he was disowned by President Ursula von der Leyen. For his part, Stéphane Séjourné, close to Emmanuel Macron, inherits a key portfolio in industry within the new European Commission, which is not without consequences for the negotiations around the creation of a new government.

French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné, a close friend of Emmanuel Macron, will take over a key portfolio for industrial strategy in the new European Commission, President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Tuesday. The move comes after the dramatic resignation of Thierry Breton, former European Commissioner for the Internal Market and close friend of Michel Barnier.

Ursula von der Leyen’s confidence

Thierry Breton is paying for both his falling out with Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron’s spectacular change of heart. Less than two months ago, the head of state asked the president of the European Commission to reappoint Thierry Breton.

But now he supports Stéphane Séjourné, who ultimately won because he needed a personality who had Ursula von der Leyen’s confidence, according to the president’s entourage.

Thierry Breton on the economy?

By elevating one of his loyalists, Emmanuel Macron is sending a signal: Europe remains his exclusive domain. Some are wondering why the Prime Minister did not oppose this choice.

In return, would he have made an agreement with the head of state? A heavyweight in the presidential camp explains that Michel Barnier could be satisfied with the departure of Stéphane Séjourné to Brussels because he is at the same time freeing up the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs, which he nevertheless wanted to keep.

Thierry Breton, known to be close to the Prime Minister, could bounce back in government since he is one of the names mentioned to take over the Ministry of the Economy.

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