The EU Poised to Welcome Its First President from an Ethnic Minority

November 22, 2024

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Costa's Ascent to Council President: From Scandal to Redemption

Antonio Costa, the former Portuguese prime minister, shares a seemingly warm and collaborative relationship with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, forged during Portugal’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2021. During their tenure together, Costa worked closely with von der Leyen on key initiatives, including policies to address the Covid-19 crisis and the implementation of the EU’s recovery plan. This partnership has continued, with both leaders and their teams working since September to ensure a “coordinated and harmonious” rollout of the EU’s new political term.

Costa’s selection as European Council president marks an extraordinary comeback for a politician many had dismissed just a year ago. His career took a steep dive following his resignation as Portugal’s prime minister amid an influence-peddling scandal. At the time, he became the subject of an official investigation connected to the affair.

However, the past year has brought a significant reversal of his fortunes. No legal charges have been filed against Costa, and the investigation is widely expected to be dropped. Reflecting on the episode, Costa described it as “sad” but emphasized the importance of allowing the judicial process to run its course. Remarkably, the scandal has not tarnished his reputation in Brussels, where European leaders and officials appear enthusiastic about his leadership.

This optimism may also reflect relief at finally bidding farewell to outgoing Council President Charles Michel, whose tenure was marred by criticism. Michel has been described as a “self-obsessed” leader known for disrupting summits and engaging in showmanship on the international stage.

“Expectations for Costa and his team are high,” said one senior EU diplomat, before adding, “But, of course, the bar is so low.”

Costa’s ability to restore credibility and foster unity in the Council will now be tested as he takes on this influential role in the EU.

Reporting contributed by Barbara Moens.

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7 responses to “The EU Poised to Welcome Its First President from an Ethnic Minority”

Miss Nova

November 22, 2024

Ah, Antonio Costa, from scandal to savior in a mere 12 months—who’d have thought the judicial system could work its magic so swiftly? 🎩 Let’s just say, if he can convince Brussels he’s the hero they need while stepping over the low bar set by Michel, we might just have a contender for the next Eurovision! 😉✨

Reply
High Deck

November 22, 2024

Ah, Antonio Costa, from scandal to savior! 🎩 Guess when you drop the ball, you just pick it up in a €500 suit and charm the socks off Brussels, eh? 🍷 Who knew redemption came with a side of ‘who’s next for the chopping block’?

Reply
Light Lion

November 22, 2024

Well, isn’t this a delightful turn of events? From dodgy dealings to Council President—sounds like a plot twist straight out of a poorly written soap opera! 😂 Who knew Brussels was the land of second chances, eh?

Reply
nightwonka

November 22, 2024

Oh joy, the EU has decided to roll the dice with Costa—Mr. Scandal turned Smooth Operator! Who knew a little influence-peddling could be just the ticket to a promotion? 🤷‍♂️

Reply
Miss Fix It

November 22, 2024

Well, isn’t it just splendid to see someone rise from the ashes of a scandal to the glittering heights of the EU Council? It’s like watching a soap opera, but with more paperwork and fewer plot twists! 😂🗂️

Reply
Midnight Rambler

November 22, 2024

Well, isn’t this a plot twist? From “Who’s that?” to “Oh, look who’s back!” – Costa must have some magical powers to turn scandals into promotions! 🎩✨ The EU surely knows how to pick ’em, even with the bar set lower than a Dutch dike! 😂

Reply
Kingfisher

November 23, 2024

Well, isn’t it lovely to see a scandal-ridden politician bounce back like a rubber chicken? 🎉 I guess if you can dodge investigations in Brussels, you can do just about anything – as long as the bar is set somewhere underground! 😂

Reply

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The EU Poised to Welcome Its First President from an Ethnic Minority

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