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French President Emmanuel Macron nominated Thierry Breton as his candidate for European commissioner.
Since the European Parliament rejected Sylvie Goulard in Commission ITRE-IMCO’s hearings at the beginning of October, Emmanuel Macron fought for preserving France’s large portfolio. Future French Commissioner would oversee the Industrial policy, the Digital Single Market and the new Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space.
Breton’s nomination is made “in full agreement with [European Commission President-elect] Ursula von der Leyen,” and he will be assigned the “same portfolio” as Macron’s first candidate » an Elysée official explained.
Thierry Breton has been France’s minister of the economy, finance and industry from 2005 to 2007 and a long career in the private sector, leading Atos.
During the 2017 French presidential election, Thierry Breton backed Emmanuel Macron’s candidacy and accompanied the French President during his state visit to Washington in April 2018.
The French commissioner candidate hails from conservative French Party, this would facilitate the EPP’s approval during the confirmation process in the European Parliament. However, his recent business career at Atos' could come under close scrutiny during the confirmation process in the European Parliament.
The future Commission would enter into office on December 1st.
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