French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed Thierry Breton as France’s candidate for the post of European Commissioner. Thierry Breton has held the position of Commissioner for the Internal Market, Digital Affairs and Industry since 2019. His reappointment seems plausible. The former French Minister of Economy has already established himself within the European executive by tackling the abuses of power by tech giants.
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In this letter to the President re-elected by the European Parliament, dated 25 July and made public, Emmanuel Macron believes that Thierry Breton will be able to, ” by its qualities “, ” continue to independently fulfill important responsibilities » which will be entrusted to him.
Although he has new technologies in his blood – he began his career as an entrepreneur in this sector – Thierry Breton has always defended Europe’s sovereignty in this area. An important subject for Paris.
He supported the production of anti-Covid vaccines. The war in Ukraine forced the Europeans to step up their production of munitions. And thanks to the Digital Services Act, the EU has adopted a new digital law. A law that protects users and strengthens controls, sometimes with fines, for large platforms. This law could become a global standard.
Read alsoEuropean Commission: Thierry Breton says Ursula von der Leyen was not well elected by the EPP
Thierry Breton could once again cohabit with Ursula von der Leyenreappointed as head of the European Commission. He had recently expressed serious doubts about the real support that the outgoing president enjoyed within his political group, the EPP, during her re-election. He has been called to order. These two seem well on their way to working together again.
A position held since 2019
Thierry Breton has held the position of Commissioner for the Internal Market since 2019, a broad portfolio that includes digital and industry. He has established himself as a figurehead of the Commission by tackling the abuse of power by tech giants. But he may be called upon to change positions in the future commission. On the sidelines of the last European summit, at the end of June in Brussels, following the European elections, President Macron had made known his intention to reappoint him, without going so far as to formally appoint him.
France was at that time campaigning for legislative elections and the National Rally, then the favourite, had challenged him. the prerogative ” to appoint the European Commissioner, believing that it should go to the Prime Minister elected at the polls.
On Tuesday July 30, La France Insoumise MEP Manon Aubry denounced this designation made by the president. as if he had won the elections “, while the left, which came out on top but without an absolute majority, is demanding to form a government. As if he could ignore the leading force in the National Assembly. The coup must stop! ” she reacted on the social network X.