France’s EU commissioner Thierry Breton resigns and criticises von der Leyen

Emmanuel Macron nominates close ally to replace Breton as next EU commissioner in last-minute switch

Thierry Breton: he claimed Dr von der Leyen asked France to withdraw his name and nominate someone else in recent days in exchange for 'an allegedly more influential portfolio'. Photograph: Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP/Getty
Thierry Breton: he claimed Dr von der Leyen asked France to withdraw his name and nominate someone else in recent days in exchange for 'an allegedly more influential portfolio'. Photograph: Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP/Getty
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Jack Power

Jack Power

Jack Power is acting Europe Correspondent of The Irish Times