Strasbourg (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Roberta Metsola has been reelected as president of EP and will lead 720 Members of the European Parliament.
Roberta Metsola has been re-elected president of the European Parliament for the next two years and a half, keeping the commencement of the 10th legislature in Strasbourg. In a vote held, the 45-year-old Christian Democrat from Malta booked 562 votes in acceptance out of the 623 votes cast by the newly-elected legislators, a comfortable success that easily exceeds the necessary majority.
What Are Metsola’s Key Priorities?
“With your support, I will continue to function tirelessly to bring people together. This must be a house that cannot be scared to lead and to change,” Metsola expressed in her pre-vote address, pledging to foster an environment of “debate” and “respect.” “This must be a strong Parliament in a strong Union,” she went on. “We cannot accept that our role as parliamentarians is diluted.”
On the other hand, Irene Montero received only 61 votes. According to analysts results reflect Metsola’s growing profile as a pragmatic leader inclined and capable of operating with forces across the political spectrum and cements her certifications as one of the most famous figures in the centre-right European People’s Party.
How Did Metsola Gain Broad Support?
She was first elected as president in January 2022, following the premature passing of her predecessor, David Sassoli. Her peak was a breakthrough point for Malta, which, as the smallest nation in the EU, had never witnessed one of its citizens in such a high place. Since then, Metsola has taken an enthusiastic approach to her position as president, travelling across European capitals to heighten personal ties with heads of government and demonstrate to citizens the Parliament’s often misunderstood role.
The president succeeded applause when she visited Kyiv in early April 2022 and offered heartfelt approval of the war-torn nation’s ambitions to join the bloc. In December of that year, her supervision met a gruelling test: the outbreak of the so-called Qatargate scandal, a cash-for-favours scandal concerning several MEPs. Metsola responded with an updated code of manners to increase translucency and crack down on corruption.
“We need to stand up tall and ready,” Metsola briefed lawmakers in Strasbourg. “This last mandate, we have understood that the future is anything but predictable.” “This must be a house that cannot be afraid to lead and to change. We have started but we are not yet finished,” she said.
What Are Metsola’s Plans for Ukraine Support?
The president also urged for a strong defence of the rule of law, continued backing for Ukraine, sustainable stability in the Middle East, the simplification of bureaucracy and more robust protection of social rights. She also emphasized the long-standing (and long-ignored) demand to authorise the EU Parliament with a right of legislative endeavour, currently owned by the European Commission.
Metsola insisted lawmakers be vigilant and crucial in their daily work but remain responsible and open, keeping the Parliament’s integrity. “My door will always remain open. Members will be treated fairly and with dignity,” she stated. “As president, you know that I can both stand up for our Parliament and build bridges across the political divide.”
