Brussels 26.01.2024 Today the following post on the Facebook appeared, announcing the change of mind of the EU Council President Charles Michel (pictured), who used social media to declare Urbi et Orbi about cancellation of his plans to participate in the European election this year. Instead he expressed his commitment to his current position as a head of the EU institution, and his intention to serve the entire mandate.
Charles Michel wrote the following on his page on the Facebook social media:
“I entered political life thirty years ago. Since then, I have taken part in almost every election in Belgium, at the various levels of power: local, provincial and federal. For the past four years, I have served as President of the European Council, following a decision by the 28 Heads of State or Government in 2019.
The European Union’s democratic deficit is often raised. In my view, democracy means legitimacy. For a politician, election by universal suffrage is the key to this legitimacy. In June, the European Parliament elections will mark the beginning of the political end of this institutional cycle and the start of the transition to the new European term of office in the second half of the year.
Europe has always held a special place in my heart. I have served our European project with passion and conviction for nearly ten years, first as Belgian Prime Minister and then in my current role. It therefore seemed natural to me, like any leader who wishes to continue to serve his country, to put myself before the voters to promote and defend the European project. It is also an opportunity to explain and defend the decisions that I have been a part of and to set out my vision of the challenges to come: the climate and digital transformations, jobs and prosperity, pandemics, the wars in Ukraine and in the Middle East, and many other geopolitical upheavals.
Europe has not been spared from these challenges that directly affect our citizens. Standing as a candidate, especially for a President of the European Council, is an act of responsibility – and a risk – aimed at strengthening the democratic legitimacy of the European project, from within the European Parliament.
Announcing my decision early ensured that my intentions were transparent and gave the European Council sufficient time to prepare a smooth institutional transition, in the European interest, following the European elections. My successor will be chosen before the first plenary session of the new European Parliament. Upon careful consultation and reflection, I have considered that, as in any national or local election, the electoral campaign is compatible with the exercise of a political mandate that is coming to an end. This, of course, in strict compliance with a clear distinction between my current role and the electoral campaign. The services of the Council of the EU have, moreover, taken the independent view that this is perfectly in line with legal and ethical principles, just as the European Commission has decided for the members of the College.
My choice has given rise to intense media attention and speculation. I had foreseen some of it, given the unprecedented – some would say bold – nature of my approach. This has also led to extreme reactions – not within the European Council but outside it – to the prospect of running in the European elections, shortening my term and advancing my successor’s mandate by a few months.
I don’t want this decision to distract us from our mission or undermine this institution and our European project nor be misused in any way to divide the European Council, which I believe must work tirelessly for European unity.
I welcome all political criticism and legitimate arguments. Naturally, every situation has several possible viewpoints. But personal attacks are increasingly taking precedence over factual arguments. I believe this distorts objective democratic discourse. On a personal level, it brings me to reflect on the meaning and impact of my electoral commitment to which I have dedicated 30 years of my life, not only for me but also for those close to me.
For all these reasons, and to maintain the focus of my mission, I will not be a candidate in the European elections. I will devote all my efforts to my current responsibilities with steadfast determination until they come to an end. I will always be a fervent advocate of a Europe that is democratic, strong, united and master of its own destiny.
At the end of this mandate, I will reflect on the nature and direction of my future commitments.
Charles Michel”