“It is not only selfish, but also irresponsible”: the criticism from political scientists and journalists about Michel’s flag flight was not gentle this weekend. Ironically, the exit could see Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán take the helm of the European Council. At the time of Michel’s possible departure, Hungary will be the rotating president of the Council of the European Union. In Brussels they want to prevent that nightmare from becoming reality and that sets off the rumor mill about who it should be.
Former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi (76) – nicknamed “Super Mario” – would be a possible option to take over. ‘The Financial Times’ reports this based on conversations with EU officials. “Draghi is the kind of figure that people find very difficult to say no to,” Nathalie Tocci, director of the Institute for International Affairs in Rome, told the business newspaper. “It is unlikely that he will say no if asked seriously, but he will not commit to it either,” Tocci said.
Other names circulating include the names of current prime ministers such as Pedro Sánchez of Spain and Denmark’s Mette Frederiksen. As a reminder: in Brussels there is an unwritten rule that European Council Presidents are ex-prime ministers (former Prime Minister of our country Herman Van Rompuy was the first European President and was subsequently succeeded by the then Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk).
Sánchez and Frederiksen belong to one of the largest political families in Europe (the Socialists), an important factor in the appointment carousel. Draghi has always remained independent. “Draghi’s lack of party affiliation will hinder him,” says an EU diplomat.
Geographical distribution also plays a role in the distribution of top positions. Member States from Central and Eastern Europe have been complaining for some time that top jobs are too often given to Western Europeans. But Draghi’s views can also play to his disadvantage. He is known as a skilled problem solver, considered the savior of the eurozone. But his preference for more European integration in the field of taxation could still be his downfall. “He is too political,” concludes an EU official.