A new dispute has erupted between French President Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen over the nomination of Thierry Breton as France’s EU commissioner, adding to the heightened political climate ahead of a snap election scheduled for June 30 and July 7.
Le Pen, leader of the National Rally (RN), expressed strong opposition on Friday to Macron’s plan to renominate Breton, the current internal market commissioner, for another term in the European Commission. Speaking to CNews, Le Pen argued that the authority to appoint the EU commissioner lies with the prime minister, not the president.
“It’s the prime minister’s prerogative to appoint the European commissioner, not the president of the Republic’s,” Le Pen stated. When questioned about her stance on Macron’s intention to nominate Breton again, she responded unequivocally, “Of course.”
The disagreement comes amid a high-stakes political battle as France heads into a snap parliamentary election, which could potentially see the far-right National Rally securing a majority in the National Assembly. Should the RN achieve this, Jordan Bardella, who has been re-elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), is positioned to become France’s next prime minister.
This election is critical as it may shift the balance of power in France, influencing decisions on key issues such as defense policy and the nomination of the EU commissioner. Bardella has publicly stated his desire to have input on the selection of France’s EU commissioner, directly challenging Macron’s choice of Breton.
Macron has been vocal in his support for Breton, emphasizing his qualifications and experience for the role. “It’s my wish and I think he has the experience and qualities for the job,” Macron remarked to reporters early Friday morning. Breton’s current term as internal market commissioner has seen him accused of prioritizing French interests in Brussels, a point of contention among various EU member states.
Le Pen’s criticism extends beyond the procedural aspects of the appointment. She contends that Macron is overstepping his authority and that a new government majority, potentially led by the National Rally, would have different priorities. “Emmanuel Macron is projecting himself into a victory he can’t achieve. He won’t be able to appoint Mr. Breton,” she asserted. Le Pen further criticized Breton’s performance, claiming he did not effectively defend France’s interests during his tenure.
The dispute underscores the growing tension between Macron’s administration and the far-right opposition as the election approaches. The outcome of the election could significantly impact France’s role within the EU and its approach to European policy-making. As both sides vie for control, the debate over the EU commissioner nomination highlights broader issues of governance and authority in French politics.
The situation remains fluid, and the eventual composition of the next French government will determine the path forward regarding the EU commissioner appointment and other key policy decisions.
