Séjourné: von der Leyen to decide his fate if Attal wins French presidency

EU industry chief Stéphane Séjourné has stated that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen would be the one to decide his fate should his romantic partner, Gabriel Attal, win the upcoming French presidential election. Séjourné, who is in a relationship with Attal, acknowledged that the situation presents a "legitimate" question regarding a potential conflict of interest, given his role as a European commissioner and Attal's potential presidency.

Séjourné swore an oath to prioritize EU interests over national matters upon taking office, and his term extends beyond the French presidential election scheduled for April 2027. Despite acknowledging the potential conflict, Séjourné expressed that he does not believe one would actually arise if Attal were to win.

The couple, who were in a civil partnership from 2017 to 2022, rekindled their relationship in 2024. Attal, who briefly served as prime minister in 2024, has publicly stated that he and Séjourné would move into the Elysée Palace together if he secures victory in the 2027 race to succeed President Emmanuel Macron. However, Attal has been lagging in opinion polls behind far-right front-runner Marine Le Pen and another former Prime Minister, Edouard Philippe, since declaring his candidacy.

Séjourné also addressed the possibility of Marine Le Pen winning the election, noting that she is a noted Euroskeptic. In such a scenario, he stated he would "have to continue" in his position and actively defend EU interests, even if it meant being more present in the media or becoming more confrontational with France.