Michel announced on Facebook on Friday evening that he would “not be a candidate in the European elections”. The 48-year-old announced on January 6th that he would lead the list of the liberal Belgian party Mouvement Réformateur (MR) in the election on June 9th. His decision caused a stir and led to speculation. Michel now spoke of “personal attacks”.
Michel’s plans had provoked strong criticism. If elected, he would have had to resign from his position as EU Council President early. According to EU rules, the head of state or government of the member state that currently holds the rotating EU Council Presidency would take over Michel’s office by the end of November – and from July that is, of all people, the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who took over following Russia’s invasion of the EU Ukraine continues to have close ties to the Kremlin.
Possible conflict of interest
The candidacy also raised questions regarding a possible conflict of interest, as Michel would be running as a party politician in an election campaign while also serving as head of a council made up of leaders from various political groups.
“I will devote myself with all my strength and with firm determination to my current tasks until they are finished. I will always be an ardent supporter of a democratic, strong and united Europe that takes its destiny into its own hands,” declared Michel in his opinion. “At the end of this mandate, I will reflect on the nature and direction of my future commitments.”
More visibility for the EU
The Belgian Michel succeeded Donald Tusk as EU Council President in 2019. The post of Council President was created around 15 years ago with the Treaty of Lisbon to give the EU more visibility. The incumbent is responsible for preparing and leading the EU summits, for which the 27 heads of state and government usually meet in Brussels.
The European elections will take place from June 6th to 9th. In the world’s largest transnational election, more than 400 million eligible voters from 27 EU countries elect the 720 members of the European Parliament for a five-year term. After the election, the heads of the EU Commission and the Council will also be replaced.
