European Council President Charles Michel declared on Sunday his intention to step down earlier than anticipated, leading to a frenzied race among EU leaders to find a suitable successor for this crucial role.
Michel, a 48-year-old former Belgian prime minister, has been at the helm of organizing EU summits and government meetings since 2019, with his mandate originally set to conclude in November, as per BBC News.
Key EU Summit Amid Election and Geopolitical Strain
European Council President Charles Michel is pictured during a press conference after a meeting regarding the start of the Belgian presidency of the European Union on 01 January 2024, at the Prime's Minister's office in Brussels, Monday 18 December 2023.
The catalyst for this early departure is Michel's decision to contest the European Parliament elections scheduled for June. In a statement, he expressed his responsibility to present a comprehensive account of his four-year tenure as a European leader and to outline a vision for the future of Europe. Michel is slated to lead the liberal Reformist Movement in the upcoming elections, further intensifying the stakes of this political transition.
An EU summit, strategically planned just after the June 6-9 elections, will play a pivotal role in deciding the timeline for Michel's successor. The outgoing president highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "at this moment it will have to decide when my successor will take up the job."
If a successor isn't identified by then, there is a looming possibility that Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, known for his contentious relationship with Brussels, could temporarily assume the role.
As the Council president, Michel played a vital role in overseeing EU summits that determined the bloc's responses to critical situations, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The potential interim replacement, Viktor Orban, has notably maintained close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, further complicating the geopolitical dynamics.
Hungary is poised to take over the rotating presidency of the 27-member EU group from July 1, during which it will organize EU ministerial meetings. Michel clarified that he would continue in his role until he is sworn in as a European Parliament deputy, a ceremony scheduled for July 16, according to South China Morning Post.
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Controversy Surrounds Charles Michel's Early Exit
However, Michel's decision to step down prematurely has not been met with unanimous approval. Dutch MEP Sophie in't Veld, representing the liberal centrist Renew Europe party, criticized Michel for abandoning his duties, metaphorically likening it to "the captain leaving the ship in the middle of a storm." In a post on social media, she questioned Michel's commitment to the fate of the European Union and raised doubts about his credibility as a candidate.
This unexpected development has also fueled speculation about other top EU positions that must be decided by November, including the elections for 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) every five years. The ensuing political maneuvering for these coveted positions, such as the European Commission and European Council, is expected to be intense.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, appointed alongside Michel in 2019, has yet to disclose her intentions regarding a second term. Michel suggested that the EU summit in June could expedite the appointment of his successor to prevent a prolonged vacancy in the post. He emphasized that normal procedures could be altered by a simple majority vote, hinting at a potential avenue to avoid Viktor Orban assuming the role.
In defense of his early departure, Michel asserted that there are tools available if there is political will to circumvent Orban's temporary presidency. Despite facing criticism, Michel communicated his decision to EU leaders on Saturday, with most reportedly reacting positively to the unexpected turn of events.
The coming weeks are sure to witness intense deliberations and negotiations as EU leaders work to fill this crucial position and navigate the intricate web of European politics, The Telegraph reported.
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