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Macron's man is plotting to run the EU

2023-08-02 23:32:38Fokus SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Small EU countries fear that Breton could be an agent for France

When Thierry Breton first floated the idea of ??becoming president of the European Commission, he himself wasn't taking it seriously.

"I may be able to consider a new Plan B assignment," the internal market commissioner replied with a smile when asked if he wanted the top job, writes Politico Europe .

But as European Parliament elections approach, Breton's "Plan B" plan to take over the EU executive is coming back into focus.

A former technology minister and CEO – he was France's second choice for European commissioner – Breton amassed power inside the building where commissioners sit.

He has left his mark on everything from COVID vaccines to artillery shells for Ukraine's war effort.

His job – overseeing the EU's 27-member, sacrosanct single market – is one of the most critical portfolios in Brussels, and previous holders of the post include former Italian prime minister Mario Monti and French conservative politician Michel Barnier.

Now, Breton looks set to grab even more power as his main rival within the Commission, Margrethe Vestager, is eyeing a new role at the European Investment Bank (EIB).

While being powerful in the Commission is no guarantee of becoming its leader – he would need the support of all Europe's leaders, plus Parliament's confirmation.

Commission officials and political aides who spoke to Politico on condition of anonymity said Breton is doing everything he can to make himself look inevitable for the next five years.

This included using his influence to help block the appointment of US economist Fiona Scott Morton to a senior advisory role in the EU executive.

And while von der Leyen remains the most likely 'Plan A' answer to head the EU executive after the 2024 election, growing uncertainty about her intentions means opening the field to other contenders - including Breton .

"It's clear Breton wants the job," said a senior political aide.

"In fact, it's becoming more apparent every day."

The prospect of having Breton as Commission president is sure to worry smaller EU countries, who fear he could be an agent for France.

It could also cause concern in Washington, as Breton presents a much less transatlantic profile than von der Leyen and has taken tough stances against Big Tech, calling himself Europe's digital "enforcer".

Even if Breton does not take the top spot, various Commission officials and political aides contacted for this article said he may still aim for a senior role as Commission vice president.

The politician in CEO clothing

Breton's Plan B for the top job may seem impossible.

But so was the road to the Commission four years ago, when his name was considered at the last minute.

At the Commission, Breton has managed to cultivate the image of an outsider: a former tech CEO who's happy to go roughshod over bureaucratic niceties and isn't afraid to publicly bully Big Tech bosses like Elon Musk.

But Breton, who served as finance minister for former French president Jacques Chirac, is also a political animal capable of working behind the scenes.

There are concerns that, through Breton, Paris is becoming too influential and is pushing the EU towards policies that benefit big, state-backed French enterprises.

Although Breton maintains that it is entirely independent of Paris, such critics warn that France would be entirely too powerful if Breton secured such a powerful position.


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