European Council President to Run in European Parliament Elections

Charles Michel, President of the European Council, stated in an interview with the Belgian newspaper De Standaard published on Saturday that he will run in the European Parliament elections in June and will leave his position in mid-July if elected. Michel said, "I have decided to stand for the European elections in 2024." He added, "If elected, I will take my seat. The European Council can expect and appoint a successor." Michel (48) is a former Prime Minister of Belgium and has held the position of President of the European Council since late 2019. The newspaper reported that he will run as the top candidate for the Belgian Reformist Movement party, which is center-right.