The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, announced in early January that he had decided to leave office in order to stand in the upcoming EU elections and was withdrawing from the race.
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Two officials briefed on the decision told POLITICO. The decision was made a few days before the meeting of European leaders in Brussels on February 1.
Michel’s surprise decision to stand in June’s European Parliament elections, leaving his post months before his term expires, has prompted a strong reaction from EU officials, European diplomats and parliament.
Officials took his surprise announcement as a signal that he places more importance on his political future than on his current role as president of the European Council.
Michel’s move also increased pressure on European leaders to find compromise on the EU’s top jobs. If he were elected to the European Parliament – which was highly likely if he stood – he would take office in mid-July, opening the door for Hungary’s Eurosceptic Prime Minister Viktor Orban to temporarily preside over meetings of EU leaders.
Source: Racurs
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