Cards reshuffled in EU to prevent Hungary's Orbán from becoming Council President
The news that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán could become the interim President of the European Council in July has spread fast in the international press. Legally, this would be possible because Hungary will take over the rotating EU presidency on 1 July, which coincides with the date when Charles Michel could take up his mandate as MEP and even become the next President of the European Commission.
Michel announced after a long break in Brussels that he will stand in the elections in early June, and if he wins his seat in Strasbourg, he will also resign from the European Council. However, his appointment would not expire until late November, so he needs a replacement for the interregnum. And the press has linked the Hungarian presidency and the Council presidency because they coincide in time.
Although, as a rule, the head of the rotating presidency can replace the head of the European Council, member countries can also choose a permanent replacement. A simple majority of member state leaders will be able to vote on the person, so it is almost certain that Viktor Orbán will not take over, but a prominent figure who has moved away from active party politics could be appointed.
EU heads of government and state were not surprised by Michel's decision, as he had informed his partners of his intentions in advance. According to the Financial Times, Mario Draghi, former head of the European Central Bank (ECB) and most recently Italian Prime Minister from 2021-2022, is one of the candidates.
EU diplomats told Portfolio about another prominent EU politician, Michel Barnier, who was formerly the chief Brexit negotiator and then was beaten in the French presidential election campaign.
Charles Michel's move also launched a race for the EU's top jobs, with leaders allocating roles on the basis of European parliamentary election results. This unexpected development could force potential candidates, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, to reveal their intentions earlier than expected.
Cover photo: European Union
