EU Council Chief Won't Run In European Parliament Elections, Easing Fears Of Orban Option

EU Council President Charles Michel won't seek a seat in the European Parliament and will instead remain in his job, he said on January 26. “I will devote all my efforts to my current responsibilities with steadfast determination until they come to an end,” he said on Facebook. Michel had downplayed criticism of his plan to resign early to run for parliament in June, saying there was enough time to choose his successor and that the EU had options to "avoid Viktor Orban." As Hungary holds the rotating presidency of the Council from July to December 2024, Prime Minister Orban could have ended up leading meetings if an interim successor were needed.