French leaders express deep dissatisfaction with Ursula von der Leyen’s authoritarian leadership and diplomatic missteps, straining France-EU relations amid Mercosur trade deal tensions.
Two main contenders, Jérôme Filippini and Eric Thiers, vie to succeed Maryvonne Le Brignonen as head of the Institut national du service public, with a final decision expected in early 2026.
France's ongoing political instability and ministerial resignations have heightened EU concerns over its leadership role in European security and financial matters.