Charles Michel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Michel
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Official portrait, 2019
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| President of the European Council | |
| In office 1 December 2019 – 30 November 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Donald Tusk |
| Succeeded by | António Costa |
| Prime Minister of Belgium | |
| In office 11 October 2014 – 27 October 2019 |
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| Monarch | Philippe |
| Deputy | Jan Jambon Kris Peeters Koen Geens Didier Reynders Alexander De Croo |
| Preceded by | Elio Di Rupo |
| Succeeded by | Sophie Wilmès |
| President of the Reformist Movement | |
| In office 18 February 2019 – 29 November 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Olivier Chastel |
| Succeeded by | Georges-Louis Bouchez |
| In office 14 February 2011 – 10 October 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Didier Reynders |
| Succeeded by | Olivier Chastel |
| Minister of Development Cooperation | |
| In office 21 December 2007 – 14 February 2011 |
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| Prime Minister | Guy Verhofstadt Yves Leterme Herman Van Rompuy |
| Preceded by | Armand De Decker |
| Succeeded by | Olivier Chastel |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Charles Yves Jean Ghislain Michel
21 December 1975 Namur, Belgium |
| Political party | Reformist Movement |
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Spouse | Amélie Derbaudrenghien |
| Children | 3 |
| Parent |
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| Alma mater | Université libre de Bruxelles University of Amsterdamˈ |
Charles Michel (born 21 December 1975) is a Belgian politician. He served as the President of the European Council from 2019 to 2024. Before that, he was the Prime Minister of Belgium from 2014 to 2019.
Michel became the Minister of Development Cooperation in 2007 when he was 31. He held this job until he was chosen to lead the Reformist Movement (MR) in February 2011. He led the MR party in the 2014 federal election. His party became the third largest in the Chamber of Representatives.
After talks to form a new government, Michel became Prime Minister on 11 October 2014. He was the youngest Belgian prime minister since 1841. In December 2018, his government faced problems and he resigned. He continued to lead the government in a temporary role. In July 2019, the European Council chose Michel to be its new president. He started his term on 1 December 2019.
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Early Life and Education
Charles Michel was born in Namur, Wallonia, Belgium, on 21 December 1975. His father, Louis Michel, was a former European Commissioner. Charles started his political journey at 16, joining a youth liberal group.
In 1994, at 18, he was elected as a local councilor in Walloon Brabant. He studied law at the Université libre de Bruxelles and the University of Amsterdam. He finished his studies in 1998 and became a lawyer. He speaks French, Dutch, and English. His brother, Mathieu Michel, is also a politician.
Starting His Political Career
After university, Michel was elected to the federal Chamber of Representatives in 1999. He was 23 years old. In 2000, at 25, he became the Minister of Home Affairs in the Walloon Government. This made him the youngest regional minister in Belgian history.
At the same time, his father was the national Minister of Home Affairs. Michel was also elected as a city councilor in Wavre in 2000. He became the mayor of Wavre in 2006.
In December 2007, Michel became the Minister of Development Cooperation. He served in several governments in this role. After his party had poor results in elections, Michel became the leader of the MR party in January 2011. He then left his role as minister.
Becoming Prime Minister of Belgium
After the 2014 federal election, Charles Michel helped form a new government. It was expected that another party leader would become prime minister. However, after discussions, the parties agreed that Michel would lead the new government.
On 7 October 2014, a deal was made between four parties. Charles Michel was chosen as prime minister. He became the youngest Belgian prime minister in 173 years. He was only the second French-speaking liberal to hold this position.
During his time as prime minister, some changes were made. The federal police had some tasks privatized. The budget for cultural and scientific groups was cut. The money for the justice system was also reduced.
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In 2016, a "tax shift" began. This aimed to increase the take-home pay for people with lower incomes. This was done by lowering social security payments. However, the tax on electricity increased, and taxes on alcohol, fuel, tobacco, and soft drinks also went up.
In December 2018, a political problem arose over an agreement called the Global Compact for Migration. One of Michel's coalition partners disagreed with it. Michel then announced that his government would continue with fewer parties. On 18 December, he offered his government's resignation to the King. The King accepted it on 21 December. Michel remained as a temporary prime minister during the next election and government talks.
President of the European Council
On 2 July 2019, Charles Michel was chosen as President of the European Council. This is one of the most important leadership jobs in the European Union. On 20 July 2020, Michel announced a big agreement. It was a recovery plan called Next Generation EU and the EU 2021–2027 budget. This plan aimed to help countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In August 2020, Michel showed support for Greece and Cyprus. They were having a disagreement with Turkey over gas exploration. On 27 September 2020, Michel expressed worry about fighting in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. He asked Armenia and Azerbaijan to stop fighting and find a peaceful solution.
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In September 2021, there was tension between France, the U.S., and Australia. This was due to a defense agreement called AUKUS. Michel said there was a "lack of transparency and loyalty" from the United States.
During his time as president, there were some disagreements about how EU summits were organized. A diplomatic incident called "Sofagate" showed some tension between Michel and the European Commission President. After the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU froze assets of the Russian Central Bank. Michel said these assets should be used to help rebuild Ukraine.
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In September 2022, Michel met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. They talked about working more closely together. In February 2023, Michel met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. They discussed improving relations between the EU and Ethiopia. In September 2023, Michel spoke out against Azerbaijan's actions in Nagorno-Karabakh. He urged them to stop military activities.
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In January 2024, Michel announced he would leave his role as president to run in the 2024 European Parliament election. However, he changed his mind later that month. He decided to finish his current term instead.
Helping with the Crisis in Georgia
After the 2020 Georgian parliamentary election, Georgia faced a political crisis. The ruling party won, but opposition parties said the election was unfair. They refused to join the parliament. When an opposition leader was arrested, protests started.
In March 2021, Michel visited Georgia. He helped lead talks between the Prime Minister and the opposition. Michel and the EU's High Representative appointed a diplomat to help mediate. Michel also met with the Georgian Prime Minister in Brussels. In April 2021, an agreement was signed after weeks of talks led by Michel and the EU. This agreement was seen as a success.
Response to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
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In 2024, about two years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, Charles Michel wrote an article. He suggested that Europe should shift to a "war-time economy." This would mean changing how money is spent. He also proposed a special bond to help with the problem.
Awards and Recognition
- Grand Officer in the Order of Leopold (21 May 2014)
- Minister of State (31 October 2019)
- Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 1st class (2021)
Personal Life
Charles Michel is married to Amélie Derbaudrenghien Michel. They have two children together. Michel also has a son from a previous relationship. They got married in the summer of 2021 in a small ceremony.
See also
In Spanish: Charles Michel para niños
