Editorial: Liberation

• French authorities have been in the spotlight for both the good (the Olympics) and the bad (political drama and hesitation).
• The French European Commissioner has resigned dramatically on social media just before the first day of the European Parliament's plenary session.
• Turbulent relations between Thierry Breton and Ursula von der Leyen have resulted in Breton's stepping down.
• Breton's successor, Stéphane Séjourné, has a role covering 'European industrial, technological sovereignty and competitiveness', but it appears that it does not integrate defense, a crucial issue today.
• Breton's stepping down indicates a loss of influence for France in the European Commission.

Conclusion: The whirlwind of events in French politics and its effects on the EU suggest a waning French influence. Ironically, despite removing an adversary, Ursula von der Layen has yet to achieve gender proportionality among her commissioners.

---