In a surprising turn of events, Charles Michel has reversed his decision to quit early as the European Council president in order to run in the upcoming European elections. Following a wave of criticism, Michel declared that he will remain in his role until the end of his term in December.
The initial announcement sent shockwaves through the European Union, catching EU officials and diplomats off guard. Michel's sudden departure would have potentially left Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to chair crucial EU summits. The move came at a challenging time for the bloc, as it was still grappling with Orban's veto of a €50 billion package for Ukraine in December.
In a Facebook post, Michel cited the "extreme reactions" to his decision as the reason for his U-turn. While he clarified that the backlash did not come from EU leaders, he expressed concern that personal attacks were eclipsing factual arguments. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the mission and unity of the European Council and pledged to prevent his decision from being exploited to divide the institution.
Michel's unexpected decision to run in the European elections had set off early speculation and discussions about who might secure the EU's top positions after the elections. His reversal of plans has put an end to these speculations, at least for now.
The news of Michel's decision comes right before EU leaders are scheduled to meet on February 1 to address Orban's objections and find a way forward. While it remains to be seen how this U-turn will impact the dynamics within the European Council, Michel's continued presence will provide stability and continuity during a consequential period for the European Union.
The decision to maintain his current position until the end of his term will undoubtedly allow Michel to focus on his responsibilities as the European Council president. However, it remains to be seen how his sudden change of heart will be received by the public and whether it will affect his future political prospects within the EU.