Maltese Roberta Metsola of the European People’s Party (EPP) was re-elected as President of the European Parliament on Tuesday with 562 votes, significantly surpassing the 312 votes needed for a majority and now serving for another two-and-a-half years.
It is “difficult to put into words what it means for a woman born on an island in the Mediterranean to be standing here today,” Maltese Metsola said in her pre-election speech.
“My passion for this project has not diminished.” She sees herself as a bridge builder: “I want to work with all of you and bring people together.” Her only competitor, the Spanish Irene Montero of the European Left, received 61 votes.
“We must reach out to Europe”
In her post-election speech, Metsola outlined her priorities. These include strengthening the rule of law and the social pillar, further support for Ukraine and EU enlargement: “We also need to extend the hand of Europe where the criteria are met.” She reiterated her call for the parliament to have the right of initiative to propose laws. So far, only the Commission has been allowed to do so.
There are 720 Members of the EU Parliament in this term of office:
In a secret ballot, 699 MPs cast their votes on Tuesday. Of these, 623 were valid and therefore important for the calculation of the majority of the 312.
The large majority for the Maltese means that she was also supported by MPs from far-right groups.
ÖVP celebrates Metsola
“Roberta Metsola stands for European democracy and for a forward-looking, strong Europe. “She represents clear positions in our interests, such as strong protection of external borders and securing prosperity by strengthening Europe as a business location,” said Reinhold Lopatka, head of the ÖVP delegation in the European Parliament, welcoming the elections.
Source: Krone
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