The European Commission president has let a personal rivalry sour the relationship between Germany and France
Ursula von der Leyen’s recent actions have shaken the core of the European Union’s unity, particularly damaging the historically delicate relationship between Germany and France. The European Commission president orchestrated the removal of Thierry Breton, the French industry commissioner, leading to his resignation on 16 September. The situation, which has escalated into a political scandal, reveals a deeper rift within the EU’s leadership. Breton, in his resignation letter, claimed that von der Leyen personally intervened and pressured French President Emmanuel Macron to replace him, threatening to demote him if he did not comply.
This move, clearly influenced by personal rivalry and power struggles within the EU, is a blow to the Franco-German relationship, which has long been the driving force of European integration. Macron complied with von der Leyen’s request and nominated Stéphane Séjourné, the outgoing French foreign minister, to replace Breton. The swift political maneuver left many questioning the extent of von der Leyen’s influence over the French leadership and the broader EU structure.
For far-right leaders like Marine Le Pen, this episode is a significant political gift. It reinforces their narrative of a European Union dominated by German interests, confirming their longstanding argument that the EU is a “German racket” undermining national sovereignty. Le Pen’s National Rally has used the event to further their anti-EU rhetoric, citing the apparent humiliation of France at the hands of a German official as evidence of the EU’s overreach.
Jean Quatremer, a veteran Brussels correspondent, noted the extraordinary nature of this situation, commenting that in his 40 years of reporting from Brussels, he has never seen anything quite like this. His remark highlights the gravity of the political breakdown between two of the EU’s most influential nations.
This crisis is more than just a personal rivalry between von der Leyen and Breton—it is emblematic of a broader struggle for power and influence within the EU. As Germany’s dominance grows, tensions with France could undermine the EU’s cohesion, threatening the collaboration that has historically shaped European policies and decisions.
While the EU has faced numerous challenges in recent years, this particular episode has highlighted the fragility of its leadership structure. With Macron’s decision to bow to von der Leyen’s demand, France’s influence in European affairs appears to be waning, at least in the eyes of critics.
The ramifications of this power struggle could ripple through the EU for years to come, with long-term consequences for its political unity and international standing. As the relationship between Germany and France grows more strained, the ability of the EU to navigate its complex geopolitical challenges remains in question.