the president of the European Council attracts the wrath of the Belgian press

Eleven months before the end of my second term Charles Michel has just announced his intention to resign. A resignation, which will take place no later than July 16, is unexpected to say the least, given that as President of the European Council his role is to represent the European Union at international level but also to ensure the continuity of work. Yes, but next June the European elections will take place and Charles Michel believes that it is his responsibility to carry “a project for the future”, by taking the head of the list of his party the Belgian Reform Movement (MR). There is no question of watching the voting train go by just to be able to stay a few more months in his position as chief administrator of the Member States, devoid of real power.

With this announcement made on Saturday January 6, Charles Michel provoked the wrath of the Belgian press which evoked the desertion of a “Irresponsible”, “Rude”, “Opportunistic”. Even the newspaper The evening who gives him the benefit of the doubt on his “desire to strengthen European democracy”wonders and wonders if it might not be… perhaps, a “cynical calculation which would betray the ideal and the European project”. Especially since with this resignation it is the very nationalist Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban who could take the reins of the European Council.

Not the first controversy

This announcement comes as Charles Michel has already been at the heart of several controversies. The position of President of the European Council most often escapes media attention, but in recent months he has found himself, despite himself, in the spotlight. First of all for his management, let’s say enough… deleterious management of the budget of the presidency of the Council which has literally exploded since his arrival.

Charles Michel was particularly singled out by a newspaper investigation The world for his immoderate love of traveling by private plane, including for short trips. And then there was also this sofagate affair in 2021. When he decided during an official meeting with the Turkish president in Ankara to squat the only available chair, relegating the President of the European Commission to a sofa placed behind the discussions. Ursula Von der Leyen sent to the corner, this beautiful crash had then earned her a reputation as a misogynist, which has not really left her since. A shame when Charles Michel is also known for having become a few years ago at the age of 39 the youngest head of government in the history of Belgium. It just goes to show that there is no age limit to being a boomer.