The president of the European parliament, Charles Michel, has decided to remain in his position, abandoning his plans to run in the European parliament. This decision was made to prevent Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orbán, from potentially taking over the role. This comes just before a crucial EU leaders’ meeting, where Orbán is expected to block a €50bn support package for Ukraine. EU leaders are considering taking action to strip Hungary of its voting rights. Michel’s initial decision to run for MEP in Belgium has been reversed due to intense media attention and extreme reactions. This move has sparked concerns that Orbán could accidentally become the president in July if a successor is not found quickly. Under normal circumstances, the leaders of the main EU institutions are decided after the European elections in June. The process can take many months, and the country holding the six-month rotating presidency takes on the post in the absence of a president-elect. With Hungary set to take on the presidency for the second six months of the year, this would have handed Orbán the reins. Michel stated, “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.” The president’s role involves chairing European Council meetings and brokering agreements among member states, including the current battle to get Hungary to back the support package for Ukraine. Orbán is expected to block the funds again at the upcoming EU leaders’ meeting, testing the patience of member states. Diplomatic sources say EU leaders feel they have to end what they see as “blackmail.” Article 7 of the EU treaty allows member states to block another from voting, but insiders say this is now looking like a reality unless they can change Orbán’s mind in the next six days. It is understood Michel has made 13 calls to…
2024-01-26 15:07:51
Source from www.theguardian.com