European Council President Charles Michel has announced his intention to lead the European list for the French-speaking liberal MR party in the upcoming June elections. This decision signifies

his early departure from the European Council presidency, six months ahead of his initially scheduled tenure conclusion.

In an interview with De Standaard, Le Soir, and La Libre on Saturday, Charles Michel confirmed his candidacy for the 2024 European elections scheduled for June 9th. This move marks the first time a sitting European Council president will participate in European elections.

"If elected, I will uphold the oath and serve as a member of the European Parliament, relinquishing my role as president of the European Council by mid-July," stated Michel. His announcement comes just ahead of his party's inaugural congress and New Year's reception, expected to provide further details by party leader Georges-Louis Bouchez.

This political maneuvering by Michel intensifies the need for EU leaders to swiftly identify his successor post-elections. The delay in securing a successor could potentially place Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in charge of European Council meetings, a scenario most of the other 26 EU leaders are eager to avoid amid escalating tensions.

Regarding the implications for his party colleague Didier Reynders, currently serving as a European Commissioner, Michel opted not to comment. The question remains whether Reynders will join the European list, despite a third-place position not guaranteeing a seat. Michel redirected queries about Reynders' role, suggesting that Reynders wishes to sustain some form of engagement in European affairs. Photo by Belgian Federal Government, Wikimedia commons.