In making the announcement, the Presidency specified that Macron has always advocated France holding a key portfolio in the 27-member bloc, related to industrial and technological sovereignty and competitiveness.

Breton, a 69-year-old politician supported his resignation alledging that the re-elected president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, had pressed Paris for his replacement, as part of efforts to form a new team in the EU.

Séjourné was foreign minister in the cabinet of Gabriel Attal, who resigned along with the entire government following the official setbacks in the European elections of June and the legislative elections of July, a decision accepted by the president on July 16.

Eleven days ago, Macron appointed Michel Barnier to replace Attal. Now the recently appointed Prime Minister must inform on members of the new government.

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