Introductory remarks by Martin SCHULZ, EP President, during the EP plenary session (25-26 May 2016) in Brussels.

Brussels

plenary session

speech

SCHULZ, Martin (S&D, DE)

PANNELLA, Marco (ALDE, IT)

Introductory remarks by Martin SCHULZ, EP President: tribute to Marco PANNELLA

SOUNDBITE (German), Martin SCHULZ, EP President, I would like to use the opening of today's plenary session to commemorate a colleague who passed away last week, Marco Pannella. Many of us worked with him for many years. I worked with him during his extensive career in the European Parliament. Ladies and Gentlemen, he was an excellent and passionate individual. His passion served to champion human rights, pacifism and pluralism in our society. He fought hard against the death penalty, defended the rights of prisoners and detainees, the rights of homosexuals. He was an early advocate of gender equality.

SOUNDBITE (German), Martin SCHULZ, EP President, Marco Pannella has in many respects been a pioneer in politics. He often he engaged in controversial debate in European Union and in Italy, Marco Panella is a great loss to Europe.

Close up of sign with photo of Marco Panella, saying: a subito....

SOUNDBITE (German), Martin SCHULZ, EP President, On behalf of the European Parliament I would like to express our deepest condolences to Mr. Pannella's family and friends and fellow workers (applause).

Atmosphere shots from the Chamber (2 shots)

Shots of Marco PANNELLA, former MEP (1979-2009) in the European Parliament in 1984

Shots of Marco PANNELLA, former MEP (1979-2009) in the European Parliament in 2008 during a press conference (2 shots)