The president of the European council, Charles Michel (Francophone liberal/MR), will not be a candidate in the European elections after all and will complete his term as European council president. He says he underestimated "the extent and radical nature of certain negative reactions" to his decision to give up the job early and campaign in the European elections. European commentators say Michel's reputation that was already dented received a further blow when he announced he was quitting as president.
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Charles Michel to stay on as European council president, withdraws as main European candidate for the Francophone liberals
Colin Clapson
Published:
Mr Michel surprised friend and foe in early January when he announced that he would run for the European Parliament and if elected would also take his seat. That meant he would have to step down as European Council president in July at the latest. That’s because this position cannot be combined with that of an MEP.
The announcement drew solid criticism. Many believed his personal interests were taking precedence over the interests of the European institutions.
"Negative reactions were underestimated"
Mr Michel is now reversing that decision. In his own words, he underestimated "the extent and radical nature of certain negative reactions". He said he had taken note of the criticism that his personal interests were taking precedence over the interests of the European institutions. He added he also does not want the "controversy" to damage the European Council and the European project as a whole.