EU Council President Charles Michel has announced that he will step down from his position early in order to run as a Member of the European Parliament. Although his mandate runs until November, the European Parliament elections are scheduled for June. The election of the next European Council president will require a majority vote from the EU’s 27 leaders. If a successor is not found in time, Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban, would temporarily hold the presidency.
Hungary is set to assume the rotating presidency of the Council in July, giving it the responsibility of chairing meetings with member state ministers. If no replacement for Mr. Michel is elected by then, Prime Minister Orban, known for his nationalist views and close ties with Russia, would assume the role typically performed by the council president. Mr. Michel, who has been leading the EU Council since late 2019, previously served as the prime minister of Belgium.
In a statement, Mr. Michel explained his decision to run for the European elections, saying, “Four years after starting my term as a European leader, it’s my responsibility to give an account of my work these past years and to propose a project for Europe’s future.” He stated that he would be heading the list of the liberal Reformist Movement (MR) party in the European Parliament elections and would step down as Council president in July.
With Hungary set to assume the rotating council presidency in July, EU heads of government face pressure to find a successor for Mr. Michel before that date. Prime Minister Orban, who has been criticized for his authoritarian style of governance, has already raised concerns due to his close ties with Russia. He was the only EU leader to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin face-to-face last year, and recently threatened to withhold financial aid to Ukraine. Last year, the EU parliament voted to approve a report stating that Hungary can no longer be considered a full democracy, accusing Orban of establishing an “electoral autocracy.”
Mr. Michel defended his decision to announce his resignation in January, stating that it gives the EU sufficient time to appoint a successor. However, Dutch MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld criticized him for “leaving the ship in the middle of a storm,” questioning his commitment to the fate of the European Union and his credibility as a candidate.
The early resignation of EU Council President Charles Michel and the potential temporary appointment of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban as president could have significant implications for the future of the European Union. The choice of a successor for Mr. Michel will determine the direction and leadership of the EU during a critical time of challenges and opportunities. The decision will also likely shape the relationship between the EU and its member states, particularly Hungary with its controversial political landscape and close ties to Russia.
EU heads of government must carefully consider their selection process for the next Council president, taking into account the need for strong leadership, diplomatic skills, and a commitment to European values. It is crucial that the appointed leader is capable of uniting the member states and navigating the complex political landscape of the EU. Additionally, the successor will need to address concerns around Hungary’s governance practices and its relationship with Russia, as these factors have the potential to impact the cohesion and credibility of the European Union.
The European Parliament elections in June will also be of great significance, as they will shape the composition of the EU Parliament and influence the decision-making processes within the institution. The candidacy of Mr. Michel and his prominent position within the liberal Reformist Movement party could have implications for the balance of power and the political agenda in the European Parliament.
Overall, the early resignation of EU Council President Charles Michel and the subsequent selection of his successor will have a profound impact on the future of the European Union. It is essential for EU leaders to approach this decision with caution, considering the political, diplomatic, and strategic implications it holds. Only by carefully navigating this transition can the EU ensure effective leadership and maintain its unity and credibility on the international stage.
