EU Council President Charles Michel to step down early - BBC News

Charles Michel's decision to step down means EU leaders will need to find a replacement quickly.

20 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, ReutersImage caption, Charles Michel has served as chief of the EU Council since late 2019By George WrightBBC NewsCharles Michel has said he will step down as European Council president early so that he can stand as a Member of the European Parliament.

The Belgian politician's mandate runs out in November but the European Parliament elections are set for June.

The next European Council president must be elected by a majority of the EU's 27 leaders.

If no successor is found in time, Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orban, would temporarily hold the presidency.

Hungary will hold the rotating presidency of the Council from July, meaning it chairs the meetings of member state ministers. Nationalist leader Mr Orban would hold the role normally performed by the council president until a replacement for Mr Michel was elected.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-67907333?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

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