2024-01-08 18:04:00
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Why criticize the fact that a top job holder enters the European electoral competition?
“We knew that Charles Michel had been looking for options for the future of his career for a long time… with little success,” sneers a European diplomat, who sees the Belgian’s decision as a “measure of last resort”. The press had speculated a lot regarding the liberal’s next move, attributing to him the intention of running for another international position and in particular the presidency of the European Investment Bank – which the person concerned has always denied. That said, “we cannot blame a politician of his age for thinking regarding his future,” concedes the same diplomat. It is the “problem of the young political generation that governs us”, adds a source from the group of the European People’s Party (EPP, conservative), who also questions what French President Emmanuel Macron, aged 46, will do once his mandate ends. Thus circulating in the European corridors is the famous analogy of Felipe Gonzalez, former Spanish Prime Minister, who compared the ex-presidents to Chinese vases: precious, but with which one does not really know what to do with.
For the Belgian Philippe Lamberts, co-president of the Greens group, it is “all to the honor of Charles Michel” to have chosen to campaign at European level. “Why criticize the fact that a holder of a top job enters into European electoral competition?” Same story with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo: “That’s what politicians do. This is how democracy works. We are having discussions on how to strengthen the democratic link with the citizen. Participating in an election is one way to do that.”
Very harsh criticism
Others were, conversely, extremely critical. In principle, nothing prevents Charles Michel from remaining in his post during the campaign. This does not cause any less discomfort. “He must avoid any suspicion of conflict of interest, of abuse of his position for his candidacy. He will also have to avoid damaging his image as a neutral arbiter within the European Council,” warns a diplomat.
Furthermore, many are worried regarding the European dynamics post-elections. Asked by the site Politico, Manfred Weber, leader of the EPP, estimated that this “will lead to greater instability on the Council side and a possible transfer of decision-making to the Hungarian presidency.” Charles Michel is almost certain to get a seat in the European Parliament. After the June 9 elections, he will have regarding a month before taking his place in the chamber. And therefore to leave his seat vacant on the European Council.
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If this is the lack of interest you have in the fate of the European Union, what is your credibility as a candidate?
“The captain leaves the ship in the middle of a storm. If this is the lack of interest you have in the fate of the European Union, what is your credibility as a candidate?” thundered Sophie in’t Veld, Dutch MEP from Renew Europe – who is also the political family of Mr. Michel. Note, however, that the group’s official position is positive. “This European election is crucial. […] Thanks to his vast experience, Charles Michel will be an asset to our group,” explained a spokesperson.
It must be admitted that “the timing is not the best”, confirms another diplomat. “Especially in a year like this, which will be marked by turbulence, also at a time when the EU is looking for its feet in a changing geopolitical world,” continues another source. “Adding additional turbulence does not seem to be the most responsible choice.”
End of suspense at MR, Charles Michel will leave the presidency of the European Council in July: “I will lead the list to the European elections”
Accelerated bargaining on top jobs?
In any case, this increases the pressure on heads of state and government, to whom it is up to assign major European positions (President of the Commission, of the European Council, High Representative for EU foreign policy)…, in making sure to take into account the result of the election, political, geographical and gender balances. This time, the replacement of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg should also be taken into account in this great bargaining.
The German Ursula von der Leyen, member of the EPP, is strongly anticipated to return to the head of the Commission. As for the European Council, some names are already circulating, even if any speculation at this stage is wet-fingered. The Party of European Socialists is expected to push one of its own to this role, which might favor, for example, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederisken. The Portuguese Antonio Costa was also an advanced socialist as a candidate, but he was recently splashed by a corruption affair. Some also think of Mario Draghi, former governor of the ECB and former Italian Prime Minister. In any case, the departure of Charles Michel adds a constraint: “We will have to choose someone who is immediately available,” insists Mr. Lamberts.
Otherwise, the position would meanwhile go to the leader of the country that holds the presidency of the Council of the EU. From July 1, it will be Hungary, led by none other than Viktor Orban, a Eurosceptic populist, who takes great pleasure in undermining European unity and palling around with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Placing him at the head of the European Council, in the role of architect of compromise between the Twenty-seven, would be the last straw. “Orban might fuck up even more,” summarizes the anonymous EPP source. “That’s no, no, and no,” says Mr. Lamberts.
“Just the fact that Charles Michel is ready to take this risk says a lot,” says a European diplomat, without worrying too much. Because the Twenty-seven will do everything to avoid an Orban interim.
A controversy, as a reflection of his record
Why then does this decision by Charles Michel provoke such harsh reactions? The answer may also be found in his record at the head of the European Council. The Belgian will certainly have participated in preserving the unity of the Twenty-seven in the face of unprecedented crises (Covid-19, war in Ukraine, etc.). But Charles Michel has also been accused of having an oversized ego, of wanting to put himself forward on the international scene or of maintaining tense relations with Ursula von der Leyen. A rivalry which came to light with the SofaGate affair, when Charles Michel allowed Ursula von der Leyen to be sidelined by Turkish President Erdogan.
“As Council President, it is best to act in the background, out of the spotlight. But Charles Michel constantly sought visibility,” regrets a European source. “No one would have pushed for him to stay longer than expected anyway.”
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