At the start of the year, Charles Michel stunned observers by announcing that he would leave the presidency of the European Council before his term ended. The decision came on the heels of a broader debate about the Liberal party of which he is a prominent figure and its role in the European elections scheduled for June. The controversy intensified around the possibility that Viktor Orban might assume the six month rotating presidency, a prospect that sparked intense scrutiny as the year progressed. By July, the European Union found itself steering the bloc’s agenda without a formal counterbalance in the second half of the year. Then, on a sudden turn, Michel stated that he would not run in the European elections and would continue to lead the European Council through the remainder of his term.
He explained to the Belgian public news service that he did not want ongoing discussions to distract from what is essential and to harm the institution he leads and, by extension, the European project. Michel acknowledged that he underestimated the scale and radical nature of some negative reactions. For that reason, he chose to withdraw just twenty days after making his candidacy public.
He added that the personal attacks he faced were increasingly prioritized over factual arguments, a shift he believes harms the development of democratic life. On a personal level, the pressure made him question not only what the public stakes mean for him but also how they affect those close to him. He spoke of a long-standing commitment to public life that has defined his career for thirty years, a commitment that positions him as a leading figure within the Reform Movement, the liberal party that includes former Belgian prime minister and Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders.
until November 30
Following the January 8 announcement, many voices questioned Michel’s decision, arguing that it could leave the European Union with a leadership gap at a critical moment. Critics suggested that personal interests might overshadow Europe’s broader interests. The concern grew that a figure like Orban, who has spent years challenging and obstructing several European decisions, could seize the opportunity if the Twenty-Seven fail to hold elections on July 1. The question remained: who would replace Michel as head of the European Council, a role he has repeatedly held in conjunction with other senior European leaders.
If a replacement were chosen, Michel would have been expected to assume his seat in mid-July. He noted that the controversy intensified in the media, something he anticipated given the unprecedented nature of his approach. He indicated that, despite expecting some backlash, he did not foresee the breadth and intensity of negative reactions, especially outside the European Council framework. He asserted that he would now devote his efforts to his current responsibilities with resolute determination until the end of his term, which runs through November 30.