Roberta METSOLA, new elected President of the European Parliament, explains her main priorities for her mandate.

statement

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

election of the President of the European Parliament (T)

Roberta METSOLA , new elected EP President on the priorities of her presidency

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, The challenges facing Europe are very big. There are multitude, both internal and external, and it is about time that this parliament also continues on the work it has done, but with difficulty during this pandemic with less visibility. The message from this parliament is that we are now in a position to speak with a very strong voice, be visible and be the voice of the European citizens. It's not only about image, it's not only about what we say, but how we say it and how we deliver it. People in every city, in every city and village, on our territory of the European Union needs to feel the European Parliament, and that's what I would like to help. It's not only me together with my colleagues, the Vice-Presidents that are in the moment currently being elected that will send the voice but also take courageous decisions and hold the other institutions to account as is our right. But it is also our duty.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, I stand on the shoulders of European heroes, women who came before us and who went through unspeakable battles in order to make this possible for me and my colleagues, as we have today, and I salute my colleagues, Alice and Sira, for having participated in such an open debate and such a discussion as to where we want this institution to go. I said yes, that it was about time, this is the first time this millennium that this parliament is led by a woman. I also said that I would not like another 20 years to pass before this parliament is once again led by a woman. But it is not only because it's led by women. I think it is also time for this parliament to reform to be stronger in its messaging, to become more effective, more efficient in the ways works, more modern, more understanding of how political life works, but also how we do it, how we do politics, how we debate, how we ask questions, how we can disagree, but then come together around the table and agree in the good for all our citizens. I think that is what I would carry as the honour and the legacy that I have inherited with responsibility. Also paying tribute to my predecessor, David Sassoli, the work that he did and which I will continue to do throughout my mandate.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, With David, we lost a friend, but we also lost a champion of democracy and a champion of kindness and open heartedness. And that was the image of a politician, a true politician who had the individual's interests and sufferings at heart. It is that legacy that he has left for all of us. You can tell this week that all the walls are resounding with grief, but also dedication to a passionate European, a very charismatic one, one who we will, let's say, miss a lot. But at the same time, he has left us a lot of work to do. He already started a very, very good reform of this parliament, and therefore now we have to execute it, we need to implement it. A lot of members want this, but also our voters want it, and that is what we need to do while we work towards the 2024 elections.