Charles Michel withdraws as European party leader for MR and still completes his mandate as President of the European Council. He informed Belga of this on Friday evening.
Michel surprised friend and foe at the beginning of January when he announced that he would stand as a candidate for the European Parliament and, if elected, would also take up his seat. This meant that he would have to resign as President of the European Council in July. This position may not be combined with that of a Member of the European Parliament.
But Michel is now reconsidering that decision, he said on Friday. In his own words, he underestimated “the amusingness and radicality of certain negative reactions”. He also does not want the “controversy” to damage the European Council and the entire European project, he said.
The “hurtful comments” about his decision increasingly seem to outweigh all factual and objective arguments, Michel notes. It makes him question the direction democracy is taking and his personal commitment.
“For these reasons, and to maintain serenity in fulfilling my current mission, I will not be a candidate in the European elections,” says Michel. He will therefore take responsibility and complete his mandate.
Michel’s mandate expires at the end of November. “I will then take the time to think about my future commitment,” concludes the Belgian former Prime Minister.