HE Charles Michel’s surprise announcement at the beginning of the year that he would leave the presidency of the European Council early The French-speaking liberal party’s participation as president in the European elections to be held between 6-9 June caused a storm of criticism regarding the possibility of Hungary’s Viktor Orbán assuming the six-month term presidency. From July onwards, the EU took the reins of the European agenda without any counterweight in the second half of the year. This Friday, unexpectedly, Michel announced: He will not participate in the European elections and will continue to lead the European Council until the end of his term..
“I do not want the discussions to distract us from what is essential and to harm the institution I head and therefore the European project,” he told the Belgian public news agency. Michel admits: underestimated the “magnitude” and “radicality” of some negative reactions That’s why he chose to withdraw just 20 days after announcing his candidacy.
“I observe that hurtful attacks are increasingly taking precedence over factual and objective arguments. In my opinion, this situation affects the development of democratic life. On a personal level, this makes me question the meaning and impact these things represent not only to me, but also to those close to me. The choice commitment to which I have devoted my life for thirty years,” adds the man who has so far been at the top of the list of the Reform Movement, the liberal party that includes former Belgian prime minister and Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders.
until November 30
Following Michel’s announcement on January 8, there were many voices questioning his decision and accusing him of failing to fulfill his duty, as his term ends on November 30, 2024. Personal interests ahead of Europe A figure like Orban, who has spent years challenging and obstructing every European decision, from the budget to migration policy, risks taking over the reins of the EU if the Twenty-Seven fail to hold elections on July 1. Who will replace Michel as head of the European Council. This is a position he has been elected to on previous occasions together with other senior officials of the European leadership.
If elected, Michel should have taken his seat in mid-July. “My choice caused heated debate in the media. I had anticipated some of this, given the unprecedented (some would say bold) aspect of my approach. “But given the prospect of seeing me join the European campaign, I underestimated the extent and radicality of some of the negative reactions, not within but outside the European Council,” he claimed on Friday. He now undertakes to devote his “efforts” to his “present” responsibilities and “with firm determination to the end.” That is, until November 30th.