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Charles Michel, the current European Council president, announced his decision to step down early to run for a seat in the European Parliament.
Although Michel's mandate expires in November, the European Parliament elections are slated for June. The next president of the European Council will require majority approval from the EU's 27 leaders. In the absence of a timely successor, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban would temporarily assume the presidency.
Michel, 48, who has led the EU Council since late 2019, expressed his intent to run in the June 2024 elections and outlined his future vision for Europe. The move puts pressure on EU leaders to appoint a replacement before Hungary assumes the rotating council presidency in July.
Orban, known for his ties with Russia, is currently Hungary's prime minister and, if needed, would fill the council president role until a permanent replacement is elected. Critics argue that Michel's decision to resign amidst crucial political transitions raises questions about his commitment to the EU's stability.
[Information sourced from BBC]
