Roberta Metsola Re-elected as President of the European Parliament
Roberta Metsola, a Maltese conservative, has been re-elected as President of the European Parliament for the first half of the legislature, which will last until early 2027. Metsola secured 562 out of 699 votes, demonstrating a broad support base across various political groups, including socialists, liberals, greens, and even some ultra-conservatives.
Metsola's re-election marks a significant moment as she becomes only the second person to be re-elected to this position. Her leadership comes at a turbulent time for the European Parliament, with growing fragmentation and a right-wing shift within the chamber. In her speech before the vote, Metsola emphasized the need for strong leadership to uphold European values, the rule of law, and to address global issues such as the invasion of Ukraine and humanitarian crises in the Middle East.
The Role and Challenges Ahead
As President, Metsola will oversee parliamentary activities, maintain order during sessions, and represent the Parliament externally. She is also a strong advocate for the European Parliament gaining the power to propose legislation, a role currently reserved for the European Commission. This change could significantly increase the Parliament's influence within the EU's legislative framework.
Metsola's tenure will also involve navigating internal political dynamics, as evidenced by the European People's Party's (EPP) recent maneuvers to extend her presidency for the entire five-year term, causing friction with the Social Democrats. The EPP's efforts reflect their position as the largest group following the June elections.
Metsola's Stance and Support
Metsola has been a prominent supporter of Ukraine, being one of the first top EU officials to visit Kyiv after Russia's invasion. Her candidacy received backing from notable figures such as Manfred Weber, the Bavarian leader of the Christian Democrats in the EU Parliament. Metsola's leadership will also be under scrutiny as she continues to address issues like political polarization and the need for institutional balance within the EU.
In contrast, her opponent Irene Montero, a Spanish MEP from the Left Party, garnered only 61 votes. Montero's campaign focused on opposing what she termed the 'consensus of war' and advocating for sanctions against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite her efforts, the coalition of popular, socialists, and liberals overwhelmingly supported Metsola.
The re-election of Metsola comes amid ongoing investigations related to the 'Qatar Gate' scandal, where former parliamentary vice-president Eva Kaili and others are accused of corruption and money laundering. Metsola's leadership will be crucial in maintaining the Parliament's integrity during these challenging times.
