Commissioner Breton’s Rebellion: EU Chief Von Der Leyen Faces Growing Opposition Amid Appointment Scandal

European Commissioner Thierry Breton led a rebellion against EU Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen last week, amidst growing opposition to von der Leyen’s appointment of a German ally to a senior business role within the EU. Pieper, who was set to begin his role as SME envoy on Tuesday, stepped down from his position after substantial opposition from both the Commission and the European Parliament. Two other female candidates were reportedly shortlisted for the role and performed better on tests than Pieper.

The revolt led by Breton and three other commissioners intensified last week as the European election campaign progressed. Known as a liberal ally of French President Emmanuel Macron, Breton has publicly criticized von der Leyen in recent weeks. Von der Leyen’s decision to appoint her German ally to a senior business role within the EU was widely condemned by members of the EU Parliament and commissioners from von der Leyen’s top team, who accused her of engaging in party politics with the appointment.

Pieper, who is a member of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union like von der Leyen, announced his withdrawal from the role while criticizing Breton in an interview with Handelsblatt on Monday. Pieper deemed Breton’s criticism of the selection process inappropriate and said it was driven solely by political motives. He expressed frustration that Breton, who had previously been responsible for SMEs and reducing red tape, was now casting doubt on the selection process.