The announcement of Charles Michel’s candidacy for the European elections and his early resignation as president of the EU Council began negotiations over top positions in Brussels, where former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi is seen by some as one of the main contenders. The 76-year-old former president of the European Central Bank, who is credited with saving the single currency, is being considered as a possible option to succeed the former Belgian prime minister, according to European officials and diplomats cited by the Financial Times . It is likely that other possible candidates will also emerge for the role now played by Michel, and it is difficult to predict the sequence of negotiations and subsequent agreements on top EU positions, also linked to the result of the June elections, the sources cited highlight. of the newspaper.
On the other hand, they continue, sources close to Draghi suggest that the former prime minister is not working to have him given any leadership position in Brussels. But the accusations that concern him, continues the newspaper, based on the history, experience and stature of one of the most important figures in the EU, highlight the desire of many capitals to reach the choice of a successor to Michel long before his likely departure. middle of July.
The urgency is partly driven by EU rules that would allow Hungarian eurosceptic leader Viktor Orbán to take office if no candidate is chosen before the European Council President resigns: Hungary will hold the semi-annual rotating EU presidency from July 1 . The newly elected members of the European Parliament will take office in mid-July, after which Michel will not be able to remain president. EU leaders also have the option of installing an interim candidate to exclude Orbán. Draghi, however, should not accept this role on a temporary basis, comments an official quoted by the Financial Times. Other names considered possible for the position include current Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Unlike Draghi, both leaders are affiliated with the main European political parties, an important factor in EU appointments. Draghi’s extra-party affiliation “will hinder him”, according to a diplomat cited by the Financial Times.
Draghi’s outspoken views on policies, including fiscal integration, could eventually anger countries like Germany that traditionally have a different view, according to an EU official briefed on the ongoing “discussions.” Meanwhile, today in Milan, at the headquarters of the Bank of Italy, a confidential meeting will be held between Draghi and representatives of European industry (ERT). At the center of the meeting was the theme of the Union’s competitiveness and how to relaunch it.
Source: IL Tempo
Emma Fitzgerald is an accomplished political journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in political science and international relations, she has a deep understanding of the political landscape and the forces that shape it.
